The Hidden Orchard Podcast

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?   For more information, and to read sources - visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/did-paul-openly-teach-jewish-mysticism-to-the-gentiles-in-rome/  

Among the profound teachings of Rav Ashlag, we look at the four types of giving in Kabbalah. Learn how each form of giving serves as a pathway for spiritual growth.   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-four-types-of-giving-according-to-the-kabbalah/  

When we look closely at the birth narratives in the Gospels, we'll find these stories conform to an archetypal pattern, sharing many parallels with the Rabbinic Midrash. How does this knowledge alter our view of these texts?   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/from-midrash-to-manger-the-intriguing-interplay-of-jesuss-birth-and-rabbinic-tradition/  

Chanukkah is far more than candles and latkes—it's a radiant moment of spiritual revelation, reminding us of the hope for the Messiah and the ultimate promise of the World to Come. In this episode, we explore some of these insights.   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com  

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.   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com  

The dybuk—often called an evil spirit, unclean spirit, and even a ghost—represents the restless soul of a deceased individual who clings to the living, often causing spiritual or physical disturbances. From the New Testament to the Kabbalah, we will explore this idea in depth.   *This is a condensed version of the full article. For more, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/dybuk-the-mysteries-...

As the temptations of modern life multiply, the spiritual decline we see in communities and spiritual leaders is a wake-up call, causing us to ask: how does one safeguard their soul? Does the Jewish oral tradition offer insight into the early communities' methods for preserving sanctity?   For more information, visit: the Hidden Orchard Project

In part 2 of this series, we explore the overlap of the ideas about the soul and its journey after death. Is hell eternal, and is there repentance afterlife?   For citations and show notes, visit: www.thehiddenorchard.com

Many people have read Genesis believing that Adam and Eve were simply the first two individuals who set humanity’s story into motion. This has created problems between religion and science, but what if this understanding was based on a misinterpretation? A closer look at the Hebrew reveals a profound nuance. For sources, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/genesis-misunderstood-the-true-meanin...

In this episode, we'll unbox common misconceptions about the Creator, and begin the exploration of a deeper, more sophisticated understanding upon which to build.   For notes, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-creation-paradox-exploring-genesis-and-the-origins-of-god-2/

In this short series, we will walk through a high-level history of this term, its usage in the Bible and Rabbinic tradition, and its appearance in Jewish mysticism. We will also seek to understand parallels and divergences between Jewish and Christian traditions.   https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/salvation-part-1-what-does-it-mean-to-be-saved/  

As we kick off another season, I want to thank you and ask for a small favor. 

In this article, we explore the power of giving with purpose, ways to optimize tzedakah, and the eternal and atoning power of charity.   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/rosh-hashanah-giving-into-the-divine-flow/   Places to Consider donating: One Family Together Sefaria.org  

In this article, we explore one of the most powerful spiritual principles - intention - and how we can channel this ability to co-create a new reality.    For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/rosh-hashanah-the-power-of-intention/  

We explore the intriguing reference to Jannes and Jambres, and its implications, in Paul's second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:8). These figures are notably absent from the Christian canonical Bible but appear throughout the Jewish midrashic and kabbalistic tradition.   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/proofs-or-oral-torah-jannes-and-jambres-a-couple-of-troublemakers...

In this series, we will explore a few short ideas to make spiritual preparation for Rosh Hashanah. From wisdom on ending the year well, to insights on how we can use our intention to shape the next year. Subscribe today so you don't miss the next episode   For More information, visit: Rosh Hashanah: The Sacred Art of Ending Well 40 Days of Spiritual Metamorphosis    

What happens to the soul when it moves from the physical to the spiritual world? In this 2-part series, we explore what the tradition has to say about angels, the life review, and tips on how we might spend our time differently.   For More, Visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/from-life-to-afterlife-judgment-of-the-soul-in-jewish-tradition-part-2/  

Going deep into the history of the first century, we'll explore the shift that took place after the destruction of the Second Temple, and its relevance to modern times and Biblical interpretation. In addition, we'll understand the errors that have contributed to the distorted and negative perceptions of the people of Israel that are alive and well today.   For more, visit: https://www.thehiddenorc...

In Jewish tradition, the concept of causing others to stumble, (לִפְנֵי עִוֵּר), is an often overlooked area of opportunity. it is a staple concept in the Talmud and a teaching forwarded by Jesus. In this article, we will explore this idea briefly.   For More Info, Visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/soul-refinement-from-stumbling-blocks-to-stepping-stones/  

In this article, we explore the Noahide laws. In addition, we'll take a unique look at these laws, their relevance to the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15, and their implications for Gentiles today.   For More Information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-roots-of-gentile-inclusion-noahide-laws-and-the-jerusalem-council/  

Though some may not be convinced of the validity of the Oral Torah, one way to illustrate the its vitality is through the exploration examples in the Biblical texts themselves that affirm its importance.  In this episode, we explore an overlooked passage that demonstrates the validity and vitality of the laws of purity.   For Notes, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/proofs-of-oral-torah-hagg...

For some, Sola Scriptura is a cause for celebration, but for others, this doctrine paved the way for some significant problems down the road. How is this doctrine different from the native worldview of Jesus and the Apostolic community?   For more info, visit the website to subscribe for weekly emails: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/lost-in-translation-the-problems-with-sola-scriptura/

The Garments of the Soul refer to our; deeds, words, and thoughts. When we understand these Rabbinic metaphors, we unlock a new insight into The Parable of the Wedding Banquet in the Gospel of Matthew.   For More Information, Visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-garments-of-the-soul/

One of the most elusive concepts in the Bible is the idea of the Holy Spirit. Though Judaism and Christianity share some common ground in recognizing Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit as an aspect of the Divine Presence, the nuances and theological underpinnings differ significantly.   For more, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/holy-spirit-vs-ruach-hakodesh-revealing-the-essence-of-divine-presence...

What impact does this have on the soul? Could the music we indulge in regularly sabotage our spiritual development? In this article, we'll explore the tradition and some ways to protect ourselves.   For more info, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/how-music-influences-the-soul/