Holidays and Festivals - The Hidden Orchard Project (Page 2)

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Holidays and Festivals

A collection of 41 posts

Exploring the Timeless Lessons of Esther (and Purim)

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.

The Courage of Esther: Self-Sacrifice and Divine Purpose

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.

Difficult Sayings of Jesus: "Eat of My Flesh"

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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.

From Midrash to Manger: The Intriguing Interplay of Jesus's Birth and Rabbinic Tradition

New Testament Insights Featured

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?

A Chanukah Lights Miracle in the Midst of a World of Darkness

A Chanukah Lights Miracle in the Midst of a World of Darkness

A Chanukah miracle, based on a true story form December 25th, 1938.

A Sukkah of Peace

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.

40 Days of Spiritual Metamorphosis

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.

Paul's Eagerness to Celebrate Shavuot

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.

Rolling Away the Stone

New Testament Insights

Rolling Away the Stone

After the crucifixion narrative, the Gospel writers record that the large stone used to cover the tomb of Jesus was rolled away, opening the tomb. There is an idea in the Zohar that might give us insight into new meaning

How We Get Faith Wrong

How We Get Faith Wrong

When we try to define "faith" we find it is somewhat prone to misapprehension. You know we're off to a bad start when a popular English dictionary gives you eight different meanings¹. How can such a critical concept be so obscured?

Burial Shrouds and Customs in the Gospel Accounts

New Testament Insights

Burial Shrouds and Customs in the Gospel Accounts

On Easter Sunday, it is customary to see the crosses out front of your local Churches draped in a white, or linen sash. Have you ever wondered where this idea originated? Believe it or not, it is derived from within the Jewish oral tradition of the first century.

The Last Seder

Many in the church see the "Last Supper" as the Biblical grounds for what is called "Communion. In light of this, I explained how "The Last Supper" features many elements of an early Passover Seder. As it turned out, this was completely new to him, and we never got to discuss the original topic.

Decoding Golgotha

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New Testament Insights

Decoding Golgotha

Is the Gospel of John a straightforward account of events that happened, or has the author concealed a deeper message for readers? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating and peculiar language of Jewish mysticism and the connections to the crucifixion scene.

New Testament Insights

The Torn Veil

“And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, Truly this man was the Son of G_D!” - Mark 15:38-39 Traditional interpretations have often

The Light That Defies Darkness

The Light That Defies Darkness

The Temple, the centerpiece of the Chanukkah story represented a form of defiance to the overreach and technological progress of the surrounding pagan nations.

Is Rosh Hashanah for Everyone?

Is Rosh Hashanah for Everyone?

A little-known secret; though Jews observe this holiday, this holiday is an incredible opportunity for everyone on earth! This is because, on Rosh Hashanah is the day the report card of every individual in the world, undergoes a review.