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A collection of 39 posts

Esther, and the Art of Concealment

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Esther, and the Art of Concealment

The book of Esther is truly fascinating, though its brilliance can easily elude us. Perhaps this is why the thematic thread running throughout the book can be summed up in the word "concealment".

King Without a Crown

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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.

From Water to Wine

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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.

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.

Understanding the Sefirot

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Understanding the Sefirot

You may have come across the idea, or perhaps an image of the Sefirot. In a sense, they can be described as a sort of 'theory of everything' for the Jewish Sage-Mystics. Understanding them can be incredibly useful, though it may require a commitment of time.

The Missing Context of the New Testament - pt. 2

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New Testament Insights

The Missing Context of the New Testament - pt. 2

As part of the greater Jewish community, the Apostolic leaders struggled with these particular issues more acutely. The sudden influx of Gentiles leaving paganism to join the diasporic Jewish communities made this a primary issue for them...

Reincarnation According to Jewish Tradition - Video

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Reincarnation According to Jewish Tradition - Video

In this video, Rabbi Dovber Pinson shares some insights to understand the complexity of the Soul according to Rabbinic tradition.

The Soul - A Detailed Diagram

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Mysticism and Spirituality

The Soul - A Detailed Diagram

Below is a helpful diagram mapping the levels of the soul, how they interact with human expression, and where they are generally connected to the body.

What About Jews Who Don't Believe in Jesus?

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What About Jews Who Don't Believe in Jesus?

When understanding the New Testament, it is important that readers become aware that the focus of much of the texts (ie: the Epistles) are largely dedicated to the messages from Paul to specific groups of gentiles among various communities in the Roman Empire. Often, these were home-based communities, or larger

What Happens When We Sin?

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Mysticism and Spirituality

What Happens When We Sin?

In this chart, we learn the dynamics of impurity, sickness, healing, and repentance.

Jesus and the Hasadim

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New Testament Insights

Jesus and the Hasadim

Seeking to understand the historical Jesus is often a difficult task. Every culture seems to have adopted a view of him that mirrors their own context, or a projection of their own values and worldview. In this article, scholar Shmuel Safray lays out a strong case for ...

Mystical Concepts In The New Testament Part 2

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Mysticism and Spirituality

Mystical Concepts In The New Testament Part 2

What does the New Testament mean with passages that speak of G_D being in us, or Jesus in your soul? In this 2-part series, we will explore the mystical idea behind these and try to shed some light on these ideas

The Third Heaven

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Mysticism and Spirituality

The Third Heaven

Is the Oral Torah "Biblical"? pt. 2

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Is the Oral Torah "Biblical"? pt. 2

In part 2 we will look at these elements from a simpler, more logical perspective. We will point to some obvious and perhaps not-so-obvious examples of why an oral tradition is necessary.