Mysticism and Spirituality

Jewish mysticism, also known as Kabbalah

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Through A Glass Dimly

Speaking to his audience in Corinth, Paul makes a statement about the spiritual state of mankind and the limited potential for prophetic capacity. His language suggests he is referencing a tradition in Kabbalah regarding the current state of mankind.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Gematria - Decoding the Hidden Secrets of Torah

What is Gematria, is it a valid form of Biblical interpretation - and if so, is it found in scripture? In this article, we explore this idea and how Daniel used Gematria to decipher the fateful message for King Belshazzar.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

From Life to Afterlife: Judgment of the Soul in Jewish Tradition - Part 2

In part 2, we review the stages of judgment the soul may undergo as it transitions from the physical to the world of souls.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Video Replay: Understanding Ibur Online Study Session

This is the Replay video from our 'live' online study on July 22 @7pm.

Mysticism and Spirituality

From Life to Afterlife: Judgment of the Soul in Jewish Tradition - Part 1

What happens to the soul when it moves from the physical to the spiritual world? In this 2-part series, we explore what the tradition has to say about angels, the life review, and tips on how we might spend our time differently.

Torah

7 Habits that Sabotage Our Spiritual Growth and How to Overcome Them

Here are (7) common habits that sabotage our spiritual connection and some guidance to help us overcome them.

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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.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Aliens, Idols, Demons, and Angels

What does the Jewish tradition say about phenomena like Aliens, or extra-terrestrial beings? And, is there any overlap with the broader categories of Angels and demons?

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Video: Walking Through the Lower Sefirot - An Introduction

In this video, we discuss how the discipline of Mussar can be tied to the lower (7) Sefirot. If you engage in spiritual development through the interface of character refinement - an understanding of the Sefirot will help you learn to look deeper.

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Soul Series: Yechidah pt. 5

In our Soul Series, we've explored the levels of the soul that we may perceive more frequently in our day-to-day life. Yechidah is the final and ultimate stage of consciousness that humankind awaits.

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New Testament Insights

Do Not Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand is Doing

In Jewish thought, the right-hand holds a special place in customs, rituals, and observances. This pattern is reflected in everyday activities from hand-washing, tying shoes, touching a Mezuzah, wrapping Tefillin and more.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Elevating the Sparks, and Tikkun Olam

'Elevating the Sparks' is a kabbalistic idea that can help to make sense of life's ups, downs, and everything in between, transforming how we view the world and our role in Tikkun Olam.

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?

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Diagram: Holiness and Purity

What are spiritual gifts? Are these unrelated and unrepeatable spiritual occurrences, or is there a system that we might be able to put into use in our development?

Mysticism and Spirituality

Mysticism in the New Testament - A Conversation w/Daniel Matt

One of my favorite scholars leading the charge in the study of Jewish Mysticism is Professor Daniel Matt. Recently, Professor Matt took some time to answer a few of my questions about the connections between the Kabbalah and the New Testament.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Garments of the Soul

The Garments of the Soul refer to our; deeds, words, and thoughts. When we understand these Rabbinic metaphors, we unlock a new insight into The Parable of the Wedding Banquet in the Gospel of Matthew.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Into the Shadows: Understanding the Sitra Achra and the Nature of Evil

[The Sitra Achra] is actually a part of this world. It is the lowest extremity of this world of our known reality. Were there an independent world of Sitra Achra, it would be beyond amendment and redemption.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Descent for the Sake of Ascent - the Transformative Power of Mistakes

Difficult times can be the most metamorphic. Not in the moment, but with time, we can come to know that through these we emerged better, and stronger. Learn how the Kabbalah offers wisdom and guidance to help us navigate the hardships of life.

Mysticism and Spirituality Featured

Holy Spirit vs. Ruach HaKodesh: Revealing the Essence of Divine Presence

One of the most elusive concepts in the Bible is the idea of the Holy Spirit. Though Judaism and Christianity share some common ground in recognizing Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit as an aspect of the Divine Presence, the nuances and theological underpinnings differ significantly.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Podcast Episode - Jewish Mysticism for MJ - Part 2

In our time, I spoke with Drake Dunaway and David Cook about the importance of understanding the basics of Jewish mysticism when exploring the 'New Testament', and a host of other topics.

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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.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

How Music Influences the Soul

What impact does this have on the soul? Could the music we indulge in regularly sabotage our spiritual development? In this article, we'll explore the tradition and some ways to protect ourselves.

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Messiah

Messiah: Part 1, The Beginning

If we could summarize the question from which we focus this work, it is, "Why do we need Messiah?" As usual, we'll begin this journey back to the beginning, the birth of the world.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Hair Coverings and Angels

Years ago, I stumbled across a bizarre and very compelling explanation for an enigmatic passage in 1 Corinthians. Searching the Rabbinic literature, we might find a connection that makes some sense in understanding.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Parable of the Bridesmaids

The Parable of the Bridesmaids is a timeless lesson of vigilance and preparation. When we overlay the themes of the rabbinic tradition, we see more information under the surface to help us prepare.