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