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Author: Holy Branches

I’m a Gentile Believer, a devoted mother of five wonderful children, and the wife of an amazing husband. Nature, gardening, and dance bring joy and inspiration to my life. In my spare time, I play the piano, care for my garden, or study the Bible in Hebrew. And I’ll drop just about anything for a game of cards. My unwavering quest for a genuine relationship with the God of the Bible has driven me to delve deeply into His Word, which guides my journey and shapes my life's path. This exploration, combined with dedication to living out my faith, is at the heart of my writing. I seek to share my insights and discoveries with readers, encouraging them to embark on their own spiritual journeys.

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Have you ever wondered about the depth of knowledge that Biblical Hebrew or Greek could add to your Bible studies? The Israel Institute on Biblical Studies provides quality online courses in Biblical languages and studies, catering to both degree and non-degree programs.

I started studying Biblical Hebrew ten years ago but reached a point where I had a pretty good understanding of most things I needed – the liturgy at our synagogue and Bible study on a fundamental level. I slowed down on my Hebrew studies and had difficulty finding a class on my level. Studying alone didn’t hold me accountable enough to stay challenged, so I knew I needed something else to move forward in my studies.

I enrolled in a course with the Israel Institute, and I’m so pleased with my class! Since I had previous Hebrew experience, I didn’t have to start at the beginning but tested into a course appropriate for my level. My class is small, so my teacher is accessible, and there’s room for discussion during classes.

One of the best aspects of these courses is their flexibility. The classes meet weekly online, and you can choose the day and time that best fits your schedule. Each class lasts about an hour, with manageable homework assignments in between. You can expect to spend about 1-2 hours weekly on homework. Course materials are available in both printable and book formats, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

The Israel Institute offers a variety of intriguing course options. Beyond Biblical Hebrew, they also provide courses in Greek and Biblical Studies. They collaborate with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to offer both degree and non-degree programs. Having experienced the high quality of their courses, I’m excited about exploring more of their offerings in the future!

If you’re interested in Biblical Language courses or even taking your Bible studies to the next level, check out the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies. I’m a student and an affiliate of theirs, so please use the provided affiliate link from this page for enrollment. Thank you in advance!

Artza Box: Gifts from the Holy Land: Christmas Joy

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This post contains affiliate links. I only advertise items I personally recommend and may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases. For more information, visit our Affiliate Information Page.

Discover unique Holy Land items with Artza boxes. Artza offers unique Holy Land items, supporting local Israeli businesses and charities. The Christmas Joy box features unique ornaments and other joyful holiday items.

Have you heard of Artza boxes? These are not your ordinary boxes. They deliver an array of unique items to your doorstep, all handcrafted by local artisans from the Holy Land. Each Artza box is a treasure trove of artwork, delectable food items, luxurious body care products, and other unique items such as handmade decor, and local spices, making it a truly exclusive experience.

Want to see what’s in other Artza boxes? Click here to read my reviews on previous boxes.

Picture this: you’re unboxing a package that embodies the spirit of the Holy Land, brimming with items that add a festive touch to any day! This quarter’s Artza box celebrates joy, featuring various items handpicked from different corners of the Holy Land. The theme of joy is not just a theme. It’s a heartfelt message waiting for you inside this box!

Artza boxes are more than just a gift for you or a loved one. They are a gift that keeps on giving. As Artza says, “With every Artza box, you’re not just receiving a gift – you’re giving one. Your purchase supports local Israeli businesses and charities, allowing your kindness to shine across the Holy Land. It touches the lives of those dedicated artisans who craft these unique gifts, and for that, we are truly blessed by you all.”

Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount 
on your Artzabox subscription!

Here are the features of the Christmas Joy box.

Ceramic Ornaments

ADI creates this set – The Ability Boutique, a company that employs their residents – those with severe disabilities – to craft these gorgeous ornaments for Artza boxes. The proceeds from the ornaments directly benefit the residents and their individual growth! ADI is just one of the many local businesses that Artza collaborates with. Each box features items from different artisans, showcasing the diverse talents and skills of the Holy Land’s local community.

We don’t put a Christmas tree up in my house, but these ornaments are beautiful and will be displayed year-round. One features an outline of the country of Israel, reminding us always to keep them in our prayers, as stated in Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
‘May those who love you be secure.'” The other says “Shalom” in Hebrew and English and will be hung to greet all who enter our home.

Star of David Candle Holder

Made from olive wood grown in Bethlehem, a Christian craftsman creates these. This candle holder is a decoration that’s both attractive and meaningful. I placed a tea-lite in ours, and it fits perfectly. You could also use it to hold a thick round candle of the correct size.

Bundukim Halva Coated Nuts

These are AMAZING! This box includes a small package, but not even a huge package of these would go far with my family. Nuts are coated with Halva – a tahini-based confection typical to the Middle East. They aren’t overly sweet but are such a tasty treat!

Shalvatea: Chamomile Rose Lavender

I remember Shalvatea because we received some in the Golan Heights box, and my house full of tea drinkers really enjoyed it!

The tea included in this box is a calming blend of chamomile, rose, and lavender. It has a pleasant aroma and flavor, a bit of a sweet taste, and comes in 18 tiny cloth tea bags. Shalvatea is made by hand by people with physical disabilities, so it’s a marvelous organization to support!

100% Natural Date Syrup

This spread, also called Silan, is so versatile! My family has used it on crackers, pancakes, and baked goods. This natural syrup is better for your family than many other things. It has just one ingredient – dates!

A recipe for Silan Oat Crushed Cookies is included with this date syrup. It looks great, but my family has yet to try it. When we do, I’ll update this post with our cookie review!

The Hineni Journal

Added to this box for premium subscribers is a unique handmade book with lined pages for writing and blank pages. The cover’s raw edges and outline of Israel distinguish this journal from other similar notebooks. The journal has Bible verses, Hebrew prayers (in English and Hebrew!), etc., to encourage and guide your thoughts.

On the cover is the word Hineni הנני. This Hebrew word for “Here I am,” used by Abraham and Moses in the Bible, is meaningful to us as we walk our faith and answer the call of what God requires.

Puzzle of the Four Cities

We’ve enjoyed the games in other Artza boxes, so we were excited to see another included! This puzzle is suitable for competing between two players (perfect for my competitive boys!) or challenging your problem-solving skills.

The quality of the blocks in this puzzle is outstanding. The four cities included, which are the four that played the most significant roles in Jesus’s life, are Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Galilee, with a different picture to represent each.

Vazu Flower Vase

I usually have fresh flowers somewhere in my home, so I use many types of vases, but this one is the most unique of all! What started as a creative student project for Chagai, its creator, developed into an extraordinary and useful item!

The vase arrives flat but will stand on its own, holding water and flowers when filled with water! And when it’s not in use, it’s profoundly easy to store!

Artza Postcards

Each Artza box includes postcards featuring an area of the Holy Land. The ones in this box spotlight Jerusalem blanketed in a rare snowfall and the modern city of Bethlehem.

Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount 
on your Artzabox subscription!

Would you like to order an Artza box for yourself or a loved one? Remember that each order brings valuable items from the Holy Land to your home and also supports local artisans in the Holy Land and meaningful charities! Get a 20% discount on your first order with my coupon code: HEBREW20

Artzabox: Gifts From the Holy Land: Seven Species

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With everything going on over there, this is a perfect time to support and experience Israel through Artzaboxes. Please pray for them if you are not already because the Bible tells us to in Psalm 122:6, and they desperately need His intervention!

Artzaboxes are subscription boxes mailed to your door featuring unique items from the Holy Land. Each box includes food items, self-care items, games, decorative items, etc., from artisans around the area. The items are different in each box, making receiving each an exciting experience! Read about the other Artza boxes I’ve reviewed here.

A different region or theme is featured in each quarter’s box. The most recent is the Seven Species box. From Deuteronomy 8:8, the Seven Species are wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. Each of these seven species adds inspiration for the items in this quarter’s box.

Each box includes information about the artisans who made the items in the box. Reading the stories of their families and businesses brings even more of a connection with the people of the Holy Land!

Premium Item – Framed Seven Species Artwork

With the Artza Premium subscription, a premium item is included in each box. The premium item in this box is a framed, hand-made piece of artwork featuring the seven species and, in Hebrew, the words “land flowing with milk and honey” (ארץ זבת חלב ודבש, pronounced eh-rets za-vaht cha-lahv ood-vash). What a gorgeous reminder of the blessing God has bestowed on the land of Israel!

Wheat – חיטה (pronounced chee-tah)


The Schnitzel Spice Mix represents the wheat. This mix accompanies the included recipe for Crispy Chicken Schnitzel, a typical meal in Israel. On the top of the container is the verse: “But you would be fed with the finest of wheat with honey from the rock I would satisfy you” Psalm 81:16.

This mix is spicy, but in a flavorful way, not jalapeño spicy. I’m looking forward to making the Chicken Schnitzel recipe, and I’ll add an update when I do!

Israeli farmers create this spice blend at Derech HaTavlinim Herb & Spice Farm. This company has made spice mixtures for many Artza boxes I have received, and they’re always unique and tasty cooking additions.

Barley – שעורה (pronounced seh-oh-rah)


Barley and wheat are both represented in the Lavender & Rose Gentle Cleansing Face Mousse. This luxurious and soothing mixture smells incredible and feels great on your skin!

This light and pleasantly scented Mousse was created by Shlomit Cohen, the founder of the “Gift of Nature” company in Bat Ayin in Israel. She sees it as her mission to teach people how to be healed naturally as well as to use the riches of nature.

Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount 
on your Artzabox subscription!

Grape Vine – גפן (pronounced ge-fen)


Grapes are found on the Seven Species Bamboo serving tray included in this Artzabox. Created by Yair Emanuel, a well-known artist whose creations are a regular addition to Artzaboxes, this serving tray is perfect for serving a light appetizer or even to serve the olives included in this box (more on these later).

Fig – תאנה (teh-eh-nah)


This item is my favorite in this quarter’s box! The unique Fig Leaf Candle represents the fig. Made from beeswax and molded from local fig bark, this beautiful candle will be an excellent addition to any room, as well as a conversation piece!

Pomegranate – רימון (pronounced ree-mon)


The pomegranate is featured on the gorgeous trivet from Hadarya Artwork. This well-made glass trivet features pomegranates and designs in various blue colors and would be an attractive addition to any table!

Pomegranates are meaningful in the Bible, as well as in the land of Israel. They even graced the priests’ robes in the Temple as part of God’s design!

Also included in this box is a postcard featuring a beautiful image of pomegranates. On the reverse side, there’s an explanation of the holiday of Tu B’shvat, including why it’s also called the “New Year for Trees.”

Olive – זית (pronounced zay-eet)


I love olives, but living in the US, I usually get mine from a can. There are few fresh olives here! I really appreciated the experience of the fresh Zaatar olives included in this box.
These olives were made by Sidyanna of Galilee, a unique company that aims to unite Arab, Christian, and Jewish women as they create delicious olives and their products. Their Extra Hopeful Olive Oil was featured in another Artza Box I received, the Galilee Box, and it was fantastic.

Honey – דבש (pronounced da-vash)


As I explained in my review of the Judean Desert box, the “honey” often referred to in the Bible is thought to be date honey. Delicious date honey was included in the Judean Desert box. In this box, there’s a jar of date spread, which reminds me of the date honey, maybe because date honey is an ingredient in this spread.

This date spread is sweet and sticky, and my kids loved dipping their challah bread into it! It’s versatile – we’ve tried it on pancakes and crackers so far as well and have found it goes great with many things!

Would you like to order an Artzabox for yourself or as a gift? Here’s a coupon code for 20% off of your first order: HEBREW20 

The Hebrew Roots Movement – What it is and What it isn’t

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Many Christians are getting back to their roots. But not in the way you think. Judaism is Biblically at the root of Christianity (Heb. 11:1-24), yet only some Christians are familiar with Jewish culture. Understanding or even practicing Jewish feasts and festivals brings rich meaning to the Christian faith. Most Christians believe in the authority of the Old Testament but reject Jewish culture because they either don’t understand it or don’t want to compromise their identity as those who recognize the Messiah versus the Jews who don’t. Because of this, a vast divide has formed between the two groups. As Christians, we attempt to emulate Jesus – except for the Jewish parts. Was Jesus celebrating Passover (Matt. 26:17-30), attending a synagogue (Luke 4:16), and other Jewish behaviors because he just happened to be Jewish, or does that have something to do with our faith as Christians? Over the years, some Christians have realized that the two faiths weren’t meant to diverge so drastically. They take Jesus literally when he says he fulfilled the Torah (or Law – Matthew 5:17) but didn’t abolish it. So, what does that look like in a modern Christian home? In short, it’s different for everyone.

It’s not Messianic Judaism

The Hebrew Roots Movement isn’t an organized religion but a path for individuals to grow and explore their faith. Most of its “members” are Christians who recognize their need for Jesus as their savior from their sins but desire to enrich their faith by incorporating biblical Jewish customs. Although these Gentile Christians may worship alongside Messianic Jews in some cases, the Hebrew Roots Movement differs from Messianic Judaism in that its constituents are not Jewish and they vary in the amount of Jewish traditions they observe. When a person of Jewish heritage recognizes Jesus as their Messiah, they are referred to as Messianic Jews. Gentiles are non-Jewish and stay non-Jews even when they embrace Jewish customs.

It’s not one doctrine

The primary source of doctrine in the Hebrew Roots Movement is simply the Bible itself – both the Old and New Testaments. Some in the Movement incorporate rabbinical teachings, and some do not. Some follow Kosher dietary laws, honor the New Moon Festivals, and keep their heads covered, while others do not. Some follow all Christian traditions but also incorporate the three annual festivals commanded in Deuteronomy 16:16. It is practiced differently in every Hebraic family I know, but they all have one thing in common: They seek to mature their faith and pass it on to others by illuminating the Gospel and the God of the Bible through the practice of Jewish customs.

It’s not legalism

“Legalism” is the main argument I hear from Christians against the Hebrew Roots Movement. Its Christian critics fear that embracing the commands of the Torah conflicts with the doctrine of salvation by grace. While “Hebrew Roots” is presented in many ways, I have yet to meet a constituent who believes that salvation occurs from keeping the Torah. They fully embrace salvation through Jesus as the sacrifice worthy of payment for our sins. Since we cannot earn our salvation because of our sin, we embrace Jesus, who kept the Torah to the letter, as our only way to approach a Holy God. Following the laws of the Torah results from devotion to and love for our God and Messiah. Out of gratitude for our salvation, we “work out” that salvation (Phil. 2:12-13) as we mature in our faith, to become more and more like Jesus and closer to God daily.

What it is

Again, there is more than one way to practice Hebraic Christianity. It’s a type of grassroots movement to follow Jesus and practice our Christian faith by returning to the Jewish roots of that faith. Incorporating Jewish customs and learning the Hebrew language increases our understanding of Biblical Jewish culture, which differs significantly from our own. When reading Scripture written by predominantly Jewish people about primarily Jewish people (including our Jewish Messiah), a lack of understanding of Jewish language and culture can create confusion. Many are drawn to the Movement because it brings clarity to their biblical studies, leading to an increase in knowledge of our God and our Messiah.

Some have arrived at the Movement as a solution to the problem of passing their faith on to the next generation. As Christians, we strive to find ways to teach and demonstrate biblical concepts to the next generation. Practicing Jewish traditions is often a simple and natural way to do this. The use of symbols and celebrations helps concrete biblical messages to children and adults.

Many Hebraic Christians merely want to be as authentic as possible in the practice of their faith. For example, most Christians would say that Christians are responsible for adhering to the fourth commandment (Keeping the Sabbath), but many don’t do that or even know how. The Hebraic Christian is bothered by inconsistencies such as this one and seeks to resolve it in their life. Jewish customs resolve many of these inconsistencies because of their history of strict devotion to the Torah. As Christians, we also have the New Testament, which sheds light on the Old Testament through prophecy fulfillment, the ushering in of the New Covenant, and the life of Jesus and the apostles.

Here’s a brief yet thorough video generally explaining the Hebrew Roots Movement. There are many different ways Christians can express this side of their faith, but most in the Movement agree on the basics at the very least.

Despite many misconceptions surrounding the Movement, more and more mature Christians seeking authenticity in their faith are going down this path. The number of Hebraic congregations and resources has exploded in recent years. The outcome is spiritual growth for both those inside the Movement and those researching it due to their skepticism.

Explaining The Chosen: Season 3, Episode 1: Homecoming

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In the first episode of Season 3, we get to know Judas Iscariot and see the Sermon on the Mount from the “inside.” We also meet Joanna, another of Jesus’s female followers. This episode is another touching and creative part of the story seen through the eyes of The Chosen series. 

To see my previous articles Explaining The Chosen, find them here.

Sitting Shiva

Matthew’s father felt he had been betrayed by Matthew and declared he had no son. Matthew’s family acted as if Matthew had died when he suggested they sit Shiva for the next seven days.

Sitting Shiva is a beautiful Jewish custom where the family of the dead takes a seven-day break from work, other social interactions, etc., and spends time together. They gather in their own or the deceased’s home and mourn, heal, and remember the one they lost to this earthly life. 

This healing custom is a healthy way to support those whose earthly lives have been drastically changed by losing a loved one. But in The Chosen, Matthew’s father used it to distance the family from Matthew because of his status as a tax collector for the Romans. 

Judas of Kerioth

When Judas met Jesus, Jesus referred to him as Judas of Kerioth. But how do we know where Judas came from? It’s assumed he came from Kerioth because of his name: Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot is close to Judas Ish Kerioth, meaning “man from Kerioth.” 

Jesus then comments on the meaning of Judas’s name. Judas is a Hellenized form of his Hebrew name, but he was probably known among Jesus and other Jews as “Yehudah.” In your Bible, “Yehudah” is perhaps written as “Judah,” and it was a common name in Jesus’s time. 

Yehudah (יְהוּדָה) is a combination of the words Yah and Yadah. Yah is a name for God, used in many places in the Bible, and Yadah means to give praise, particularly with the hands, as Jesus points out in this scene. The word Yad means “hand.”

Aaronic Blessing

Before dismissing the disciples, Jesus prayed a blessing over them, and this blessing probably sounds familiar to you. From Numbers 6:22-27, the Aaronic Blessing (or Aaronic Benediction) goes like this.

The LORD make His face to shine upon you

(Ya’ayr Adonai panav ‘aylekha – יָאֵר יְיָ פָּנָין אֵלֶיךָ)

And be gracious unto you.

(Veekhoonekha; – וׅיחֻנֶּךָ׃)

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you

(Yeesa’ Adonai panav ‘aylekha – יׅשָּׂא יְיָ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ)

And give you peace.

(V’yasaym l’kha shalom. – וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֺם)

Joanna

After the disciples disperse, we meet Joanna, a wealthy woman out of her element but interested in Jesus. Not mentioned more than a couple of times in the Bible, Joanna was a follower of Jesus. We know that she was wealthy because Luke 8:3 tells us she was one of a group of women who contributed out of their own means. 

The other thing we know about Joanna is that she was Herod’s steward, Chuza’s wife. The Bible doesn’t tell us what her husband thought of her visiting Jesus, but I’m guessing that may have been complicated! We also know she was one of the women who visited the tomb after Jesus’s resurrection, when the angel appeared and told them the good news, “He is not here. He has risen!”.

Joanna told the women that she was from Machaerus. Machaerus was the location of one of Herod’s palaces – where John the Baptist was beheaded at Herodius’s request.  

The Mezuzah

I’ve explained the mezuzah in Explaining The Chosen, Season 1, Episodes 7 and 8, and Season 2, Episode 7. Four times in this episode, a character touches the mezuzah (the small box nailed to the doorpost). The first was Rabbi Yussif, as he walked into the room where he talked to Jairus, and later in this episode, as he left the same room. Then Judas touched the mezuzah in the doorway before leaving his house, then again after returning to retrieve his plant. 

A mezuzah serves as a physical reminder of the words of the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9).

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9, (NASB)

The Shema is where we’re instructed to make God the center of our lives. We’re to teach His word to our children as we go about our day. His words should be bound to us and even be written on the doorposts of our houses. It teaches us what we’re supposed to be doing with our time on Earth and how to live as one of God’s people. We must love God with all we are and make sure His word saturates every area of our lives!

The Anointed One

When Judas was telling his plans to follow Jesus to his sister, Devorah, he called Jesus “the anointed one.” In Hebrew, “anointed one” is “mashiach” (מָשִׁיחַ) or “messiah.” 

And a side note: Devorah, Judas’s sister’s name, “Deborah,” in English, means “bee,” as in the honey-making insect! 

We got to know Judas and learned what the Sermon on the Mount may have been like for the disciples. And what an ending this episode had! Will Matthew reconcile with his father? We’ll find out in Episode 2!

Explaining The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 8: Beyond Mountains

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In the last episode of Season 2, we see Jesus’s followers making preparations for Jesus to deliver his sermon to a vast crowd. The curiosity of the Romans and suspicion of the Jewish leaders continues to grow as the disciples navigate Jesus’s ministry and disputes among themselves.  

Caution: Spoilers ahead! Haven’t seen it yet? Click here to view!  

Looking for my other articles Explaining The Chosen? Find them here!

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Selling the land

In the opening scene, men claiming to be descendants of Simeon negotiate a land purchase from a descendant of Reuben. They lied to say they were descendants because they knew they would not get the sale otherwise. 

It must have been known then, even outside the Jewish community, that the nation of Israel would not sell land to outsiders. Not willing to sell the land may sound selfish, but it’s out of obedience to God. 

The land, moreover, shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are but aliens and sojourners with Me.

Deuteronomy 25:23

There’s a heated dispute (and has been for thousands of years) about who the land of Israel belongs to, but those who believe the truth of the Bible take God at His word. God says the land is His, and He promised that Abraham and his descendants would live there, so we know the Jewish people are its rightful owners (Gen. 15:18-21 and other verses).

Hellenism

John says that Simon the Zealot’s obsession with exercise “smacks of Hellenism.” He’s referring to the pagan Greek influence that had begun to creep into Jewish life. Exercise doesn’t sound like a concerning threat to the Jewish people, but there were worse consequences of Hellenism.

Greek and Jewish cultures were very different, but the Greeks (and Greek-like Macedonians) lived in the same areas at this time, so there was an incentive to assimilate. Some Jewish people adopted a Greek way of life, including worshipping idols and other practices forbidden by God. 

The attraction to assimilate was strong, not just because it led to more peaceful cities or for political reasons. Sometimes it was forced. The story of the Maccabees that led to the celebration of Hanukkah tells of a horrific time when the Jewish people were heavily persecuted and forced to abandon their religious practices. 

But remember, we live in a fallen world and know that those who worship the one true God will be persecuted. Jesus knew this persecution would happen and gave us some encouraging words.

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

Unfortunately, God’s people have experienced persecution throughout history, do currently, and will in the future too. If you follow God and His Son, know you may be mistreated because of your faith. Jesus warned that they persecuted him and that following him would come with the possibility that we would also be. 

When you experience actual persecution, know that it’s because you’re on the right side of the eternal perspective. It’s right to follow God’s Word, even if those around us don’t understand why we do what we do.    

They all want to follow in the right way

After we see Ramah and Mary studying Psalm 139, Thomas and Tamar consider the disciples’ arguing. Thomas comments, “They all love our rabbi and want to follow him in the right way. They just can’t agree on what that right way is.”

His comment reminded me of what I see going on in so many circles of Believers today. We all have a heart to follow God in a way that pleases Him, but we often disagree on how it should be done. Instead of focusing on what unites us, we allow our differences to divide us. 

It takes determined intentionality to ensure we don’t get onto this path. A fallen world surrounds all Believers, but we must not get distracted and start acting like the world. We must respect each other as we respond to the guidance and conviction of the Spirit in how we’re led. We can lovingly wrestle with differences in Scriptural interpretation and humbly hold each other accountable when we stray. The human tendency is to let our pride take hold and cling to our side, but we must focus on eternal things and keep unity as one of our highest priorities.

The House of Shammai  

Shmuel and Yanni spoke with Shammai about their concerns about Jesus and his ministry, and he seemed to relish in the friction it would cause. As I explained in Episode 5 of Season 2, the two prevailing schools of thought in Jewish leadership at the time were the houses of Shammai and Hillel. These two rabbis had differing perspectives on how Biblical laws should be lived out. Shammai tended toward more strict adherence to the commandments, while Hillel aimed to reform these rigid views with a more compassionate and people-centered interpretation of Scripture. Jesus was more on the Hillel side, as he demonstrated when he challenged the Pharisees on some aspects of Jewish law.     

These two schools of thought tended to be aggressive toward one another. This disagreement even resulted in fighting at times. Hillel essentially won over most Jewish leadership, as modern Judaism now leans more toward the Hillel.

The healing of the world

When Jesus and Matthew are writing the sermon, Jesus points out that he wants his people to participate in the healing of the world, not its destruction. 

There’s a concept in Judaism called Tikkun Olam, meaning “repair the world.” In response to our broken world, this concept encourages people to do whatever’s within their capability to fix the world around them. Tikkun Olam inspires people to care for the environment, foster healthy relationships, give to charity, etc., to restore the earth to the state of the Garden of Eden.

Although we won’t be able to reach the perfect state of the Garden, there are things we can all do to improve the world around us for ourselves, others, and future generations. The theme of Tikkun Olam is that we do all in our power to do what we can to improve the world we live in.

And that wraps up the final episode of Season 2! I look forward to covering Season 3, so follow Hebrew Roots Mom on social media or sign up for the newsletter to find out when new articles are published. Find all my articles Explaining The Chosen here

Artzabox: Gifts from the Holy Land: Carmel

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If you haven’t seen my previous reviews on Artza Boxes, you may not know that they are such a great idea for those who love Israel! Artza features a different area of the Holy Land each quarter, sending unique items from local artisans right to your door!

This quarter, the Mount Carmel region is featured. In the Northern part of Israel, the term Mount Carmel can refer to the surrounding mountain range or just the steep southernmost end of it. Cities in the area include Haifa and other small towns. 

Biblically, Mount Carmel was where Elijah spent much of his time. He challenged the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah to a contest to see who was the one true God of Israel on Mount Carmel. It’s also where Elijah cursed the young boys who jeered at him, which resulted in bears coming out of the forest and killing 42 of them! 

In Hebrew, Mount Carmel is הַר הַכַּרְמֶל (Har HaCarmel). Carmel (כַּרְמֶל) means garden land or fruitful place, and the word literally means “vineyard of God”! The area is lush, covered with many different types of trees, and archaeologists have discovered wine and olive presses from ancient times. 

Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount 
on your Artzabox subscription!

In this box, those at Artza have thoughtfully added meaningful items from the Mount Carmel region. They thought of the significance of everything – even down to the box’s color, inspired by the included photo of the sunset on Mount Carmel, which is included in each Carmel Artzabox.

Here are the items featured in the Carmel box.

Liba De Alma Earth Necklace

This necklace will be my most used item from this quarter’s box! It’s a necklace with a pendant that holds soil from Israel. With this necklace, you can keep an authentic bit of the Holy Land close to your heart. It makes a lovely addition to any outfit and will surely be a conversation piece!

As Believers, what is on our hearts should be the things on God’s heart. Biblically, the Land of Israel is very special to Him, and it should be to us, also. This necklace gives us a way to demonstrate our love for Israel and to remind us to pray for the Holy City as God tells us to do in Psalm 122:6 – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”

These meaningful necklaces are handmade by Bat El (her name means “daughter of God”!) and Shira. They collected soil from various places in Israel and crushed and layered it beautifully to create these pendants. They hope these necklaces will remind the wearers of the beauty and blessings that come from Israel.

Here’s a picture of my snack plate as I write this – matzah and Cocoa Tahini Spread! Yum!

Cocoa Tahini Spread

My family loved this addition to the Carmel box! My kids love Nutella and we all agree that this Tahini Spread is SO much better! It’s not as sweet as Nutella and is very flavorful. And it arrived right on time as we’re celebrating Passover and Unleavened Bread this week. It’s been a perfect topping for all the matzah we’re snacking on! 

Coconut Coated Hazelnuts

Grown in Israel, these hazelnuts would be delicious by themselves, let alone with the fantastic coating they have! They’re covered in a tasty and crunchy outer layer that perfectly accompanies the hazelnut inside.

These tasty treats are made by Gidi Mizrahi, a man from one of Jerusalem’s oldest merchant families! You can see Mizrahi’s love for the Land just by looking at the package of these Coconut Coated Hazelnuts. This verse is on the front: “…take the best fruits in the land… a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds…” Genesis 43:11. These coated Hazelnuts are for sure some of the best of the Land!

Hand Painted Ceramic Psalms Plate

Decorated with richly-colored leaves and flowers, this hand-painted plate boasts Psalm 96:12, “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” What a wonderful reminder for God’s people to join with creation and rejoice! 

Herbal Carmel Spice Mix

This aromatic spice combination says it can be used on fish or grilled chicken breast, baked potatoes, anti pasti, pizza, cheese, and vegetable dishes. That’s quite a long list of uses! It comes with a recipe card for Carmel Mountain Chicken, which my family thought was delicious!

A change from the usual blend of spices, this mix also contains hyssop, coriander, and chives. The package says it’s “Inspired by the flavors of Carmel mountain,” and the herbs are from that area. What a pleasing way to experience the Carmel region!

Dr. Dabour Organic Body Lotion

This body lotion is silky with a gentle fragrance, perfect for smoothing your skin after a bath or shower. It has a pleasant but not too powerful scent and contains pomegranate, olive leaf, lavender, and grape seed oil to leave your skin soft and smooth. It also doesn’t leave your skin greasy after use, as many lotions do!

Dr. Dabour is widely known as one of Israel’s top doctors. He has a unique approach to healthcare, combining the wisdom of ancient traditions with modern medicine to positively affect the lives of his patients. This luxurious body cream is just one of his many creations that use the valuable offerings of the Holy Land.

Painted Flowers 

Yair Emanuel is a well-known Israeli artist. You can find his recognizable art worldwide, known for its vivid colors and joyful designs like birds, pomegranates, and flowers. Another of his pieces was featured in the Artza Golan Heights Box, and it’s a delightful addition to the shelf just above my desk. 

These flowers are just perfect for Spring! They are large and bright and make me look forward to the ones that will pop up in my yard now that the weather is warming. The colors – orange, purple, and teal and the detailed designs make a cheerful, energetic combination.  

Raw Wooden Trivet/Cutting Board

Made from the trees of the forested Carmel region, this addition to the Premium Subscriber box is even more meaningful with the following verse on it:

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

This verse and the one from Psalms on the plate I mentioned above are such joyful verses! Isn’t it amazing that God’s creation gives glory back to Him? We should do so also!

Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount 
on your Artzabox subscription!

Mount Carmel Postcards

Each Artzabox includes two postcards featuring images of exciting scenery in the area. This box is no exception. One of the postcards discusses the Israeli Druze, a community that has inhabited the Carmel area for over a thousand years! The other features a stunning photo of the site that’s thought to be where Elijah challenged the pagan prophets.  

Map and Hebrew Cards

Two cards included in the Carmel box haven’t been in previous Artzaboxes, but I hope this is a new item they intend to include from now on! One is a map of Israel with the Carmel area highlighted. The other is exciting for us Hebrew lovers. It has a few Hebrew words, with pictures so we can learn a little vocabulary of the Land. 

Would you like to order an Artzabox for yourself or as a gift? Here’s a coupon code for 20% off of your first order: HEBREW20