Torah
Numbering Our Days. The Counting of the Omer.
As we start the second night of the Passover Seder, we enter into a sacred and auspicious period in the Jewish calendar, counting the Omer. How did an agricultural practice become so spiritual?
Holidays and Festivals
The Death of the Firstborn
The Death of the Firstborn is one plague that some struggle to come to terms with. Many have asked, "For what purpose did G_D kill so many innocent people?" While this might be rationalized as payback for the death of the Hebrew infants in Exodus 1, closer inspection indicates a deeper message.
New Testament Insights
The Healing of the Woman and the Young Girl
One of the Gospel's most famous and well-known healing stories is of the healing of the woman and the young girl. What if this story was written as more of a Midrash, would there be a deeper message for us to glean?
Holidays and Festivals
Exploring the Timeless Lessons of Esther (and Purim)
Purim, one of the most vibrant and festive holidays in the Jewish calendar, is a time of joy, reflection, and fun with the community. Embedded with historical significance and tradition, Purim commemorates a pivotal event in Jewish history that is recounted in the Book of Esther.
New Testament Insights
The Crucifixion of Isaac
Years ago, I heard a lecture by an Orthodox Rabbi who shared some deeper insights about the event known as the "Akeidah", the "Binding" of Isaac. I couldn't help but see an incredible amount of parallels to the Gospel narrative and what some Christians may refer to as the "Passion" narrative.
Holidays and Festivals
The Courage of Esther: Self-Sacrifice and Divine Purpose
Let's explore the Messianic archetype of Esther; her unwavering resolve to self-sacrifice for her people; how she gained favor in the upper worlds to avert the harsh decree - And, how her story finds resonance in the Gospel narrative of Jesus's trial.
Mysticism and Spirituality
Difficult Sayings of Jesus: "Eat of My Flesh"
A particular passage in the Gospel of John has been difficult for many readers to understand for centuries. The text indicates that many in Jesus's day had a hard time with it too.
New Testament Insights
From Midrash to Manger: The Intriguing Interplay of Jesus's Birth and Rabbinic Tradition
When we look closely at the birth narratives in the Gospels, we'll find these stories conform to an archetypal pattern, sharing many parallels with the Rabbinic Midrash. How does this knowledge alter our view of these texts?
Stories
A Chanukah Lights Miracle in the Midst of a World of Darkness
A Chanukah miracle, based on a true story form December 25th, 1938.
Torah
A Sukkah of Peace
After having conducted a 40-day retrospective of our year, ultimately repenting for our mistakes on Yom Kippur - we are provided a moment to look forward to the year ahead. This is why Sukkot represents a kind of fresh start, the beginning of a new paradigm in our spiritual growth.
Mysticism and Spirituality
40 Days of Spiritual Metamorphosis
As summer fades into autumn, a sacred period arrives in the Jewish calendar that carries profound spiritual significance. We're all invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, repentance, and reconnection with the Divine during this time.
New Testament Insights
Paul's Eagerness to Celebrate Shavuot
Did you know that Paul was adamant about keeping the festival of Shavuot at the Temple in Jerusalem? If not, it is likely because many English translations have obscured this account.