Mysticism and Spirituality
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
Thoughts
Hi, I want to thank you for reading, sharing, and subscribing to the Hidden Orchard Project! 🌿 Believe it or not, this project sat shelved for a few years - stuck on the name and the exact audience. This summer, all at once, a few people (who do not know each
Thoughts
As the Jewish world has just closed the books on another Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), its message remains as important and relevant for us as ever. Among the readings during the Yom Kippur services, it is customary to study and discuss the book of Jonah. Why Jonah? Of all
Torah
In Hebrew, the word Kaphar (כפר) is the word translated as "atonement" in most english translations. Kaphar can imply the 'forgiveness of sins', but this word has other meanings as well that should give us insight into its essence. It is from this word that we get Yom Kippur (כִּפּוּרִ),
Thoughts
Tradition tells us that humanity was created and placed in a deficient world for the explicit purpose of 'fixing-it'. Additionally, it is through this work that find we are in fact seeking our Creator². The greater the work to be done and obstacles to overcome - the closer we draw to G_D.
Thoughts
History is full of surprising twists and inexplicable events that have forever changed the course of the world. This can also be said of tragedies, though, usually from a downstream vantage point.
Thoughts
A hint in the Hebrew text of Genesis gives us a deep understanding of the complexity of human beings and our capacity for elevation.
Thoughts
Everything in the universe is connected. Particularly true in the west, modern human consciousness has trended toward an isolated worldview that ones actions are personal and have no bearing on others
Thoughts
The value of your faith will heighten your ability to appreciate the value of another’s faith.
Thoughts
As someone who spends a lot of time exploring the inner dynamics of life, death, and beyond – it strikes me how quickly all of my academic knowledge quickly fades in a moment of true loss. As I am navigating the loss of a loved-one, a few lessons are emerging. 1.
Thoughts
It is customary to blame secular science and anti-religious philosophy for the eclipse of religion in modern society...
Thoughts
The Hebrew word for ‘wisdom’ is Chochmah, but this is not to be mistaken for "wisdom" as we might understand it today, say for example, the sum of experiential knowledge. Chochmah has been viewed by the Sage/mystics as a kind of force, a thread of the Divine