Mysticism and Spirituality
Did Paul teach the Gentiles early kabbalistic ideas about the Nefesh, Ruach, and Neshamah? If so, this may make his letters some of the earliest appearances of these ideas. How does this change the understanding of these popular verses?
Mysticism and Spirituality
Is heaven the soul's last stop, or is there more? In this article, we will explore the tradition behind the ideas of the Messianic era, Heaven, and the World to Come - including a few key references to these in the New Testament.
New Testament Insights
One of the most important components to understanding the "New Testament" is found amid an incident that most Bible readers have never heard of. We'll learn how a particular disagreement between predominant Pharisaic schools shaped the contours and the perplexing milieu of first-century Judaism.
New Testament Insights
The writings of the Apostle Paul, commonly known as the Epistles, hold immense significance in Christian theology. How will we re-evaluate his letters if we view them within a specific Rabbinic correspondence framework?
Mysticism and Spirituality
Does G_D rule the world through a Divine Council of supernal angels? For many, this may be a new idea, however, deep within the Rabbinic tradition, this is quite ancient.
New Testament Insights
Throughout the Epistles of Paul, he makes frequent references to the Midrashic traditions regarding Adam HaRishon, the first Adam. As is the case for many Torah Jews, this tradition heavily influences Paul's worldview, both eschatologically and practically.
New Testament Insights
Of course, Paul converted, right? The chapter heading says so, and his name was changed to Saul, wasn't it?
Mysticism and Spirituality
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
Obscured amid the detailed instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, there is a fundamental key to the service of G_D. Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. - Exodus 25:2
New Testament Insights
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...
New Testament Insights
Context matters. We hear this often, but seldom recognize the collateral damage of failing to get it right. Centuries of misunderstanding and decontextualized interpretations of the New Testament have fueled, (even endorsed) violence, hatred, and the loss of Jewish life. From the early church fathers to present day America, this
New Testament Insights
In Romans 11, Paul leverages a few Midrashic themes from the Rabbinic tradition that many readers may not be aware of. When understood, these further affirm the Jewish people's selection and enduring covenantal place with G_D.