Mysticism and Spirituality

Jewish mysticism, also known as Kabbalah

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Our Test: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil

The Sages described these times we live in as 'great and terrible' - also remarking that they themselves would not want to be alive for the tests we face, implying that these tests provide a great opportunity for us.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What Does the Bible Say About the Afterlife?

The concept of the afterlife, particularly heaven, and hell, has been the subject of fascination and contemplation across various religious and cultural traditions. But, what does the Bible say about these topics?

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Understanding the Klippah

One useful but complex topic is known as the "klippah", which means "husk", or "shell" in Hebrew. Though esoteric, this work will make this complex idea simple enough to begin applying today.

Torah

42 Journeys

The people of Israel endured 42 stops along the path from Egypt to Israel. What if these were strategic destinations, ordained by the Creator for an unseen purpose? What can we learn from such a perspective that applies to our lives today?

Mysticism and Spirituality

Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 3 ▶

In this study session, we look at an often-overlooked presupposition that we must consider when we begin spiritual development. In this, we look at the issue of impurity that stems from the sin of Adam.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 2 ▶

In this session, we look at the concept of Derech Eretz, also known as "Decency" or customs and manners. Derech Eretz is defined as, then ancient Jewish principle that refers to the decorum, dignified behavior, and gentlemanly conduct that should characterize a Jew at all times.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What Is A "Baptism of Fire?"

What did John [the Baptist] mean when he said Jesus would 'baptize with fire'? The answer can be found in the Kabbalah, and is surprisingly practical for understanding some more complex metaphors in the Bible.

Mysticism and Spirituality Featured

Accepting Insults With Joy

Want to learn a quick method for spiritual elevation? In this article, we'll learn how doing nothing might be the best step for your growth

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Light of the Moon

In an ancient Midrash, the moon approached the Creator, asking how it should find its place amid the sun's brightness. The Creator's instruction provides insight for us today as to how we might best fulfill our purpose in life.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Developing the Soul - Mussar Series. Part 1 ▶

In this series, we will explore the discipline of Mussar and understand how it is a vital component of spiritual development. In the first session, we introduce the concept, the history of the late movement and how it is anchored to the Biblical texts.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

The First Adam and Second Adam: Adam Kadmon and the Logos

With this article, we will start to cover some of the more complex concepts that are featured in the New Testament. Hopefully, we'll lay a foundation to understand ideas many see as controversial and/or a major departure from Jewish thought.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Gneivat haDaat - Giving a False Impression

It is not for nothing that this world has been nicknamed the "Olam HaSheker", which means the World of Lies (in Hebrew). However, this is not meant to be defeatist or pessimistic but simply to reveal the presupposition that truth (Emet) is the essence of a different realm, not this one.

Mysticism and Spirituality

All The Life In The World To Come

Among the many brilliant statements in the work known as The Ethics of the Fathers, a beautiful and profound statement brings us very close to understanding the 'meaning of life'.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Why Can't Christians and Jews Agree on Isaiah 53?

A recurring theme throughout this website is the push for readers to become aware of the prevalence of Jewish mysticism throughout the New Testament. For many reasons, understanding the texts through this lens will unlock new insights, and correct some

Mysticism and Spirituality

Rethinking Money

The wisdom of the Bible calls us to view our lives through a different logic than we may be accustomed to. Instead of viewing actions and experiences as isolated or disconnected singularities, we are challenged to hold a more holistic view. This is especially true when it comes to money.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Scholar and the Merchants

In this short story, we're given a glimpse at the multi-dimensional way one may read the Biblical texts through the system of Pardes. See how a story functions on a simple level while simultaneously concealing a higher truth.

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New Testament Insights

A Lamp Under a Basket

Understanding Biblical metaphors and multi-faceted imagery is vital to unlocking the hidden dimensions of interpretation. In this article, we will unpack a few layers to reveal a deeper message in a familiar passage from what is called, "the Sermon on the Mount".

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Confronting Our Shadow

We should recognize, there is a difference between rectifying your imbalanced character traits and rectifying the cause of the imbalance. For this, we need to confront our shadow.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

King Without a Crown

The Creator is always sending us hints if we are open to hearing them. Listening to music last week, "King Without a Crown", by Matisyahu, cycled through my playlist. I realized the answers are hidden in these lyrics.

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New Testament Insights

From Water to Wine

Among the most well-known stories in the Gospels, Jesus turning 'water to wine' is arguably one of the most commonly known. While some see a story that highlights mastery over the physical elements, the Rabbinic metaphors indicate that there is more to this story than meets the eye.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Parable of the Talents

In the Zohar, there is a discussion based upon the Torah commandment to 'pay a laborer his wages the same day he works for them'¹. In the Peshat/plain meaning, this is great model of mercy, ensuring a person has what they need to survive and feed their family.

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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.

Mysticism and Spirituality

The Soul Video Series

In this series of discussions, I join Rey Luque to talk about the dimensions of the soul; the various levels; the worlds of creation; and how many of these ideas are fundamental to understanding the New Testament.

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Chaya - Soul Series pt. 4

Chaya means "life", and is often associated with a more holistic span of life energy than the previous levels of the soul. The first appearance of this word is seen upon the creation of humankind.

Mysticism and Spirituality

Battling Doubt - At War with Amalek

As a descendant of Esau, Amalek had a natural predisposition against the nation of Israel. In the Midrash¹, we are told that [Amalek] was one of the counselors of Pharoah who advocated for the persecution and destruction of the Jewish people.