The Hidden Orchard Podcast

In this episode, we compare Paul's letters with Rabbinic Responsa, legal correspondence. How does this change the way we interact and view these works? https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/how-to-read-the-letters-of-paul/

In an ancient Midrash, the moon approached the Creator, asking how it should find its place amid the sun's brightness. The Creator's instruction provides insight for us today as to how we might best fulfill our purpose in life. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-light-of-the-moon/

In this episode, we look at an excellent story of how we balance our traits and how we impact others. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/developing0the-soul-mussar-part-1/  

Among the many brilliant statements in a writing known as The Ethics of the Fathers, a beautiful and profound statement brings us very close to understanding the 'meaning of life'. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/all-the-life-in-the-world-to-come/

In this episode, we look at the hidden complexity of Jewish law behind Jesus' rebuke of Pharisees and understand his words in a more constructive and contextual way. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-pharisees-who-wash-the-outside-of-cups/  

The wisdom of the Bible calls us to view our actions and experiences, not as isolated singularities, but as connected and holistic. This is especially true when it comes to money. http://www.thehiddenorchard.com/rethinking-money  

Want to learn a quick method for spiritual elevation? In this episode, we'll learn how doing nothing might be the best step for your growth. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/accepting-insults/  

At first glance, the popular interpretation of these passages has become so entrenched, the heading of this section is called, “The Superiority of the New”. The translators are preemptively telling us that what is “new” is better. Is this what we're to take away from this teaching? http://www.thehiddenorchard.com/new-wine-old-wineskins    

In this episode, we look at the bizarre account where Jesus takes his vengeance out upon a random fig tree on the side of the road. This story concludes with many rightfully scratching their heads. Let's see if we can make sense of this passage. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-cursing-of-the-fig-tree/  

In this episode, we look at the difference between "Faith" as it is commonly understood an the Hebrew word "Emunah", from which it originates. http://www.thehiddenorchard.com/how-we-get-faith-wrong/      

In the Zohar, there is a discussion based upon the Torah commandment to 'pay a laborer, or servant his wages the same day he works for them'. There is a striking parallel to a gospel passage that seems to bring a new spin on an old parable.   https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/parable-of-the-talents/  

What does it mean to be made in the image and likeness of the Creator? Is there a difference in these two words? For centuries, many have pondered this statement, and the Midrashic tradition alone bears the fruits of this intellectual labor. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/adam-and-damah/  

In this episode, we look at a somewhat controversial topic that emerges around this time every year. We briefly explore what the New Testament says that might contradict what we see in media and movies like "The Passion of the Christ".  https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/who-killed-jesus/  

of fear and respect for G_D - it is commanded in Deuteronomy that Israel both remember what they did, and blot out their memory. How are we to remember, and also forget at the same time? In this episode, we see the hidden message about wrestling with Doubt. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/battling-doubt/  

In part two, we explore the significance of the Jerusalem Council and what the Apostolic community was attempting to resolve as they included Gentiles in to the Synagogue communities. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-missing-context-of-the-new-testament-pt-2/  

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. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-missing-context-of-the-new-testament-pt-1/  

Obscured amid the detailed instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, there is a fundamental key to the service of G_D. We'll also explore how the Midrash is the idea behind Paul's statement in Romans 11.    https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-dough-offered-as-firstfruits/  

Not only in Hebrew, but in latin we see the words Spirit and Breath are connected through the word, Spīro (to breathe), also Spiritus. We can clearly see the etymological root to the word respiratory. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-connection-between-breathing-and-the-soul/  

In the Zohar, a story is told about a traveler, who seems to have evaded death in his sleep – not once, but twice. The Rabbis are puzzled by these miracles, and ask the man about his secret. The answer is surprisingly simple, yet profoundly difficult. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-power-of-forgiveness/

The Bible uses five different words to describe (5) distinct levels of the  human soul , each of which has its own unique properties and expressions. In this episode, we explore these components and build a foundation for other topics.   https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/your-expansive-soul/

One of the key ideas perpetuated through replacement theology, (also known as supercessionism) is taught under the heading of the "New Covenant". On the surface, this seems innocent enough, perhaps even quite logical, however, when we explore this in-depth, some assumptions are revealed. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-new-covenant/  

Paul makes frequent references to the Jewish tradition regarding Adam, the first Adam. As is the case for many Rabbis, this tradition heavily influences Paul's worldview, both eschatologically & practically. Did he intend to nullify Jewish and Gentile, male and female, and other distinctions? Who is the New Man in Ephesus

In the New Testament, Paul recounts a trip he took to the third heaven. What is this place, and is there a similar idea in Jewish thought that we can leverage to understand this mysterious account? In fact, there is, and we explore this idea in this episode.   Visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-third-heaven/

In Romans 11, Paul leverages a few Midrashic themes from the Rabbinic tradition that many readers may not be aware of. These affirm the selection and enduring covenantal place the Jewish people have with G_D when understood.    Visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/misunderstanding-pauls-message-in-romans-11/  

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.   Read in article form: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-great-mystery-of-divine-providence/