"The Song of Songs is the parable that Solomon formulated in order that the people will understand the Torah." (Boyarin, p103). I am often asked, "What is midrash", and I think to myself, "how much time do I have to explain?!" The word midrash, just to start, can refer to a method of interpretation or … Continue reading What Is Midrash?
Tanakh
This section discusses topics and passages from the Old Testament
3 Hebrew Words for A Human “Soul”: Neshamah, Nefesh and Ruach. Part 1, Neshamah.
The essential nature of every human is that we are an incarnate soul. The soul is a profound aspect of the human condition. Even in Hebrew, one word was not sufficient to describe all the attributes of the human soul. Three words for soul are used in Hebrew: נשמה, נפש, רוח. In this post, I … Continue reading 3 Hebrew Words for A Human “Soul”: Neshamah, Nefesh and Ruach. Part 1, Neshamah.
Becoming Like HaShem: The Tree Of The Knowledge Of Good And Bad. Genesis 3:1-8.
The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad (hereafter, TKGB) were created by HaShem for human free-will. Eating from the TKGB did not tarnish Mankind with absolute immoral depravity. The TKGB was a tragic choice, but it is morally pure for mankind. Once chosen, mankind began a journey to … Continue reading Becoming Like HaShem: The Tree Of The Knowledge Of Good And Bad. Genesis 3:1-8.
Genesis 37-50: Grain And Hope Are Found In Egypt
The stories in the book of Genesis present life or death choices for the patriarchs and matriarchs, but HaShem orchestrates their choices and delivers them from evil. Famine is one life or death scenario. Jacob's sons had sent Joseph into slavery in Egypt and honestly had no idea if he was still alive. But HaShem … Continue reading Genesis 37-50: Grain And Hope Are Found In Egypt
The Good News Of The Kingdom Of Heaven According To Habakkuk
The presence of holiness and righteousness in this world is difficult to discern at any given moment without faith. In fact, Holiness and righteousness abounds if you have the eyes to see it. I want to reflect on the words of the prophet Habakkuk. I believe he was very astute to see holiness through the … Continue reading The Good News Of The Kingdom Of Heaven According To Habakkuk
Leviticus 23:1-2; Who Announces The Start of HaShem’s Appointed Times?
Leviticus 23:1-2 וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה, אֶל-מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר. דַּבֵּר אֶל-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם, מוֹעֲדֵי יְהוָה, אֲשֶׁר-תִּקְרְאוּ אֹתָם, מִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ; אֵלֶּה הֵם מוֹעֲדָי. The L-rd spoke to Moshe saying,"Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, "The Appointed Times of HaShem, which you all shall announce them, are sacred convocations; these are My Appointed Times. This is … Continue reading Leviticus 23:1-2; Who Announces The Start of HaShem’s Appointed Times?
Beit Ya'acov Messianic Jewish Society 