Torah
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".
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.
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.
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.
News
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.
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...
Featured
Eternal Punishment
As pervasive as the idea of eternal punishment is, there is one primary passage from which this idea is found. However, reframing this idea can be difficult as many passages have been subsequently translated to support this doctrine.
Mysticism and Spirituality
5 Worlds - Jewish Cosmology
In a mystical interpretation of Isaiah, the Rabbis uncovered a hint at the cosmological design of creation. Often referred to in Hebrew as "Worlds" (Olamot), these help aid our understanding of how the Creator interacts with the created.
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.
New Testament Insights
A Different Take on the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Years ago, while on staff at a mega-church, I was discussing the origins of the "Trinity" concept with the Spiritual Formation Pastor. He told me, "I've abandoned the Trinity idea as this was a much later development in the church."
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.
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