Discovering the Mazal: Energies and Insights of the Hebrew Calendar
From periods of triumph and celebration to periods of reflection and trials, the Hebrew calendar weaves a complex story rooted in spirituality, each month with its own unique mazal.
Holidays and Festivals
46 posts
Proofs of Oral Torah: Haggai's Quiz
Though some may not be convinced of the validity of the Oral Torah, one way to illustrate the its vitality is through the exploration examples in the Biblical texts themselves that affirm its importance.
Spotlight: Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the Radiance of Lag B'Omer
The life of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, though set against the backdrop of the Roman occupation and the aftermath of the destruction of the Second Temple, left an indelible mark on the Jewish tradition that is celebrated on the holiday known as Lag b'Omer.
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?
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.
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?
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
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"
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
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 miracle, based on a true story form December 25th, 1938.
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.