The Hidden Orchard Podcast

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-haggais-quiz/

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/

What does it mean that G_D is in us, and we are in G_D? Learn how the deep mystical concept of Ibur holds a prominent place in the Apostolic writings, unlocking insight and dispelling errant theologies. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/ibur-the-entanglement-of-the-soul-in-1-john/

If we examine where the knots and wrappings are placed from a TCM point of view, it appears that the tefillin and wraps form a potent acupuncture point formula aimed at elevating the spirit and clearing the mind. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-deep-connection-between-chinese-medicine-and-tefillin/

This is a good example that shows how Jesus co-opts a Midrash that he knew his students would grasp. In this, he uses many metaphoric elements of the Rabbinic tradition and also teaches on repentance from the mystical dimension. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-parable-of-lost-sheep/

If you take a step back from the New Testament, you will notice that the texts are surprisingly quiet on major topics that readers have come to take for granted. Entire religions and theologies have been built upon these ideas, yet, they are not thoroughly explained amid the pages. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/messiah/

No legal system on earth holds verbal insults and thought crimes in the same category as more egregious and obvious crimes like murder and adultery. However, in the spiritual economy of the Bible, these are very much connected. www.thehiddenorchard.com/soul-refinement-guarding-our-speech/

As summer fades into autumn, a sacred period arrives in the Jewish calendar that carries profound spiritual significance. We're all invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, repentance, and reconnection with the Divine during this time. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/40-days-of-spiritual-metamorphosis/

Often used as a proof-text for the abrogation of the Torah [commandments], in Matthew 5, Jesus cites a well-known Midrash to prove quite the opposite. Despite many modern (popular) interpretations, he forbids his audience from ever thinking of such an idea! https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/abolishing-the-torah/

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/

In this episode, we explore the hidden tradition of meditation in the Bible. What makes Biblical, ancient Jewish meditation different from modern methods and mindfulness? https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/jewish-meditation/

If you've been around the world of Jewish thought for a while, you might likely already be familiar with the concept encapsulated in the acronym - PaRDeS. This system of studying and interpreting Torah is ordered into (4) methods of interpretation. Sign up for more on at: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/

A careful and objective study of the Pharisees, their worldview(s), and their general thinking process has brought me to an entirely new place. Getting it wrong is not inconsequential; understanding the context and nuance surrounding the Pharisees will become an increasingly vital tool for understanding the New Testament. https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/pharisees/