The Hidden Orchard Podcast

Is the New Testament antisemitic? Scholars like Amy Jill-Levine would argue, though it wasn't intended, the texts have been read to that conclusion. Who is to blame? Is it the authors for leaving out clarifying information? Is it the interpreters who have failed to communicate the cultural, linguistic, and theological context? To answer these questions, we must be willing to confront our knowledge...

Thank you! First, I want to thank everyone for their support as The Hidden Orchard Project turns 3!   Online Study Opportunity Also, sign up to take part in an online study, beginning August 10th, 2-3 PM Eastern. We will study "The Journey of the Soul". What happens to the soul before and after life on Earth Where souls go when they leave The idea of soul groups and collective mission(s) Parallels...

In this article, we explore the deeper insights into the Hebrew word for truth, Emet. With help from the Breslov tradition, we find that truth is a state of living built with honesty before ourselves, others, and G_D.   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/living-truth-in-a-world-of-lies/  

For nearly two thousand years, the world has viewed Jewish tradition—and especially the rabbis of the Apostolic era—through a distorted lens. This distortion is derived from various disputes in the New Testament, but the picture is not complete. There is a deeper context that has been overlooked.   For Citations and Sources: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/misreading-the-gospels-understanding-jes...

“If it’s not in the Bible, it’s not authoritative.” “The rabbis rejected Jesus—why should we listen to them?” What did Paul mean when he said all scripture is inspired, or G_D-breathed?   For more info, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/where-does-the-bible-say-that-understanding-scripture-and-inspired-writings/

is Jesus literally God? Can someone speak, act, forgive, heal, or even claim unity with G_D without collapsing the boundary between the human and Divine? Or Is there a precedent in the Torah that helps us understand this idea? Sign up for more on this topic   https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-shaliach-agency-and-representation-in-jewish-tradition/      

Paul's teachings are seen as a break from Judaism, but what if his ideas on Jewish and Gentile identity are not a rejection of Rabbinic thought, but deeply rooted in it? How does that change how we read a pivotal verse in 1 Corinthians? For More Information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/pauls-rule-and-the-conversion-controversy/  

The Death of the Firstborn is one plague that some struggle to come to terms with. Many have asked, "For what purpose did G_D kill so many innocent people?" While this might be rationalized as payback for the death of the Hebrew infants in Exodus 1, closer inspection indicates a deeper message.   For more information, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/death-of-the-fistborn/    

In this episode, we'll explore a deeper insight into Daniel's dietary problems in Babylon and the origins of his solution. Did Daniel rely on the principles of "Biblically Kosher" to navigate the food issues in Babylon, or was he tapped into the Jewish Oral Torah, even in his time?   For more info, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/proofs-of-oral-torah-origins-of-the-daniel-plan/   In this s...

Purim, one of the most vibrant and festive holidays in the Jewish calendar, is a time of joy, reflection, and fun with the community.  Embedded with historical significance and tradition, Purim commemorates a pivotal event in Jewish history that is recounted in the Book of Esther.    For More on Esther and Purim, visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/exploring-the-timeless-lessons-of-esther-and-...

In this article, we explore the nature of reality, looking at a few striking parallels between simulation theory, the Bible, and Jewish thought. Is it possible this new idea of reality is not so new after all?   For more information, and to read sources - visit: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/beyond-simulation-reexamining-the-biblical-blueprint-of-reality/  

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/