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.

Torah for Christians: Unlocking the Bible

Written by Holy Branches on August 20, 2025. Posted in Bible Study, Hebraic Roots. No Comments on Torah for Christians: Unlocking the Bible

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Of the 66 books of the Bible, why do Hebraic Believers focus so heavily on the Torah – the first five books of the Bible? What about Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy makes people study them over and over each year (or more!)? Is the rest of the Bible less important? Aren’t we missing out on a lot by studying these five books?

A Year Through the Torah – A Week-By-Week Journey For Christians and Messianic Believers 320 pg. Book & 80 min. CD

I had these questions when I first started practicing a Hebraic Roots type of faith. I noticed that many focused much of their study of the Bible on the first five books. I’d previously been in many different kinds of Bible studies on various topics and books of the Bible, and I couldn’t help but think I would be missing out on so much by repeating study after study on the first part of the Bible.

However, after a few months of studying the Bible through the weekly Torah portion, I realized why studying the Torah is so important for Christians. Here are a few reasons.

The Torah is the Root of the Bible

Tom Bradford (of Seed of Abraham Ministries’ Torah Class) once said that studying the New Testament without a solid understanding of the Old Testament is like walking into a movie halfway through and trying to make sense of it. The Torah sets the foundation for the rest of the Bible and provides a filter through which we should interpret the rest of the Bible.

When interpreting verses, we often look to the New Testament to see what a verse or concept means and how to apply it. But this is backward. When a verse from the New Testament requires clarification, we should instead look to the first place where that concept was addressed and begin our interpretation there.

For example, look at Matthew 22:34-40 and Mark 12:28-31, where Jesus answered a question about the greatest commandments. We may conclude that he was telling his followers to ignore all the other commandments in the Torah and “love God and love people”. But those familiar with the Torah recognize that he’s instead pointing his audience back to the most important commands given in the Torah, found in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.

When we take Jesus’s words in light of the Torah, we see that he’s not only enforcing the commands given in the Torah but also telling us that all of the commands, if followed, will lead to a proper love for God and people.

This quote from Jesus is just one example, but there are so many! Try this: The next time you’re studying a concept or verse in the New Testament, delve into what it says about it in the Old Testament. Spend some time digging and include the original Hebrew of the Old Testament in your search. Blue Letter Bible is an excellent resource for this. I guarantee Bible study done in this way will deepen your understanding of the entire Bible and your faith!

The Bible’s Authors Speak Highly of the Torah

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law [“Torah” in Hebrew] of the Lord,
And in His law [“Torah”, again] he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2

And here’s another example:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Here, Paul refers to “Scripture” in the New Testament. Since the New Testament wasn’t yet written, we know he was only referring to the Old Testament. And, with some exceptions, the Torah is part of the Old Testament containing material for “reproof,” “correction,” and “training in righteousness.”

The above verses are a couple of examples, but there are many places in the Bible where the Torah is held in high regard. Psalm 119, Proverbs 4:2 and 6:20-23, Luke 11:28, and James 1:22-25 are just a few more. As Believers who base our faith on the truth of Scripture, we should likewise “delight” in the Torah.

Much of the New Testament is Quoted From the Old Testament

There are hundreds of direct quotes from the Old Testament in the New Testament and thousands of references to the Old in the New. Since many of these come from the Bible’s first five books, studying the Torah will reveal so much about both the New Testament and our Savior!

If you’d like to find out where the Old Testament is referenced in the New, this is another aspect of Bible study that Blue Letter Bible will significantly help you with. The footnotes may have some of these valuable cross-references depending on your Bible. The Scriptures Bible has quoted phrases from the Old Testament in bold print. Whatever tools you use to find out where the Old Testament is referenced, look into them and see where your studies lead to put some oomph in your Bible study!

Jesus Taught from The Torah

Of the references to the Torah in the New Testament, those from Jesus himself are the most interesting. Above, I referred to when Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 as the two greatest commandments. Here are a couple more:

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-19

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Luke 24:27

The Pauline Paradox: What Did Paul Teach About the Law of God?

“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.
Luke 16:16-17

Our Savior upheld the authority of the Torah. As his followers, we should place the same importance on it. Here are more incidents of Jesus quoting the Torah.

Jesus’s Followers Practiced a Torah-Based Faith

After Jesus ascended into heaven, his followers on earth practiced their faith based on how the Torah said to practice it. Here are some situations in which the apostles adhere to the Torah post-Jesus.

What About the Sacrifices: A Messianic Perspective on Messiah and the Purpose of the Levitical Sacrifices By D. Thomas Lancaster

Paul circumcises Timothy (Acts 16:3).
Paul supported the stoning of Stephen because Stephen was reported to have been preaching against the Torah (Acts 6:11-14). But Stephen was falsely accused.
The Jerusalem Council determined Gentiles new to the faith needed to adhere to some of the commands in the Torah (Acts 15).
Paul is then falsely accused of preaching against the Torah (Acts 18:12-13).
Paul takes a Nazarite vow from Numbers 6:1-21 (Acts 18:18).
Paul kept the Feast Days from Leviticus 23 (Acts 18:20-21).
Paul was arrested twice when accused of teaching against the Torah but said in Acts 24:14 that he didn’t preach anything other than the Torah. He then helps 4 others take the Nazarite vow (Acts 21:18-24 and 21:27-28).
Paul appeals to the Torah, accuses Ananias of breaking it, and then apologizes for mistakenly breaking it in speaking out against Ananias (Acts 23:3-5).
Paul says he believes all that was laid down by the Law and Prophets (Acts 24:13-14).
Paul says he didn’t do anything against the Law of the Jews (Acts 25:8).
Paul says he didn’t do anything against the customs of his people (Acts 28:17).
Paul tried to convince them from the Law and the Prophets (Acts 28:23).

For more on the faith of the apostles, check out The Pauline Paradox by 119 Ministries. It’s an eye-opening explanation of Pauline scripture, interpreted within the context of the entire Bible!

It Shows Us the Temple and Sacrifices

When the New Testament references the Temple, the priests, and the sacrifices to teach us about Jesus, it’s helpful to know what those were and their functions to understand what’s being said. Here’s an example.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.
Matthew 27:50-51

How would we know the function and the placement of the veil, let alone what that has to do with Jesus’s death, without a knowledge of God’s description of the Temple in Exodus 26? The more solid our Old Testament understanding, the more we get out of the references to it in the New Testament.

For a more thorough understanding of the sacrifices, I recommend the book What About the Sacrifices by John Lancaster at First Fruits of Zion.

It Teaches Grace and Salvation

The concepts of grace and salvation are introduced in many situations in the Torah. God showed grace to Adam and Eve when he spared their lives and banished them from the Garden of Eden. Those who were with Noah in the ark were saved through faith in God’s warning of destruction to come. God saved His people from slavery in Egypt when He sent plagues that eventually resulted in their freedom.

The examples go on and on in the stories of the Torah most Christians know. Before we even reach the New Testament, we’ve studied so many stories showing us how much grace and salvation are a part of God’s character!

It Teaches the Importance of Obedience to God

From the very beginning of the Torah, we see how disobeying God can have devastating consequences. When God said not to eat the fruit in Genesis 2, He meant that. We don’t have a record of Him explaining the whys of this command or laying out precisely what “eating the fruit” meant. He just said it, and they were expected to obey because God knew what was best for them, and they were expected to trust Him. We know the rest of the story – they didn’t, and the consequences were so severe they continue to affect us today!

Interestingly, that’s how many of God’s commands throughout the Bible are. He gives them and expects us to trust Him and obey them, even if they seem irrelevant or don’t make sense to us. This story in the Garden of Eden is just one, but many in the Torah teach the importance of obeying God’s commands.

Although often translated as “law,” the word “Torah” in Hebrew would be better translated as “instruction” or “teaching.” Instead of merely showing us where we go wrong, the Torah teaches us how to live God’s way – the way that’s best for us because our Creator chose it!

We Learn from God’s Calendar

A Christian Guide to the Biblical Feasts By David Wilber

Perhaps the most obvious explanation of God’s calendar comes from Leviticus 23, where God commands the Holy Days to be observed. He says which days to observe and exactly when they’re to be observed. Leviticus 23:4 says: “‘These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim the times appointed for them” and then lists them with explanations.

The Holy Days or appointed times (Moedim in Hebrew) in Leviticus 23 are:

But this calendar was established well before Leviticus. It was in Genesis during creation that God put bodies in the sky for the purpose of allowing His people to follow His calendar.

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for appointed times and for days and years”
Genesis 1:14

Interestingly, God set His calendar in the beginning, at creation, but what’s even more interesting is that He tends to ensure that the pivotal events in history correspond with His calendar and have meaning through that.

For example, Jesus died on Passover and rose again on the Feast of First Fruits! This indicates that he is indeed our Passover Lamb and is the First Fruits of those with eternal life!

On Shavuot, the Hebrew people received the Torah at Mount Sinai. Then, in Acts 2, when the apostles were celebrating Shavuot, God chose that day to send His Holy Spirit – the Torah written on their hearts! Isn’t that mind-blowing?!

I’ve heard Christians describe the Old Testament as irrelevant in this day and age, but this is so far from the truth! The Torah reveals to us the character of the God of the Bible, the identity of our Savior, and even gives us pointers on how to live as God’s people here on earth.

Interested in studying the whole Bible through a study of the Torah? Chances are, Torah Club has a group near you! Find a Club in your area here!

The Hebrew Calendar Explained

Written by Holy Branches on August 14, 2025. Posted in Bible Study, Hebraic Roots. 5 Comments on The Hebrew Calendar Explained

You’ll find that following the Hebrew calendar becomes necessary when you begin to observe the Biblical Holy Days and align your year according to the Bible. To guide you in this, I recommend you purchase a calendar with the corresponding Hebrew months and Biblical Holy Days. The one I use is from First Fruits of Zion. It includes the Holy Days, corresponding dates on the Hebrew calendar, and the Torah Readings for each week and holiday.

** Free printable Calendar of Important Dates from Hebrew Roots Mom! **

2024-2025 Dwell in The Land – Messianic Calendar from Israel featuring Scenic Photos of Israel, 16-Months Sept 2024-Dec 2025

The significant differences between the Gregorian calendar we’re used to and the Hebrew/Biblical calendar are:
– Hebrew days start the evening before instead of at midnight.
– Hebrew months do not correspond to the months on the Gregorian calendar.
– The Hebrew calendar has a different Leap Year system, adding in a month 7 of the years out of a 19-year cycle instead of a day every four years, like the Gregorian leap year.
– The Hebrew calendar is lunar rather than solar.
– Months are 29 or 30 days instead of 28, 29, 30, or 31 like Gregorian months.

Biblical Events on the Hebrew Calendar

It’s interesting to study events in the Bible and where they occur on the Hebrew calendar. We can note when they occur, remember them, and even study them on the anniversary of their occurrence!

Here are some of the events from the Bible that we know the date of on the Hebrew calendar:

Nisan/Aviv (The First Month)

God designated this the year’s first month (Ex. 12:2).
Nisan 1: Building of the Tabernacle was completed, the 2nd Temple consecrated, and construction of the 3rd Temple will be completed (Ex. 40:2, 17; 2 Chr. 29:17, Eze. 45:18).
Nisan 10: The Passover Lambs are chosen (Ex. 12:3).
Nisan 11: When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, his triumphal entry is when people greet him with palm branches and shout “Hosanna” (Mt. 21:10- 19).
Nisan 12: The Last Supper and Jesus arrested (Mt. 26:17-68).
Nisan 13: Jesus is crucified, and Passover begins (Mt. 26-27, Ex. 12:8).
Nisan 14: Passover (Lev. 23:5, Ex. 12:6-13).
Nisan 15-21: Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev 23:6, Ex. 12:15-2).
Nisan 15: The Hebrew people leave Egypt (Ex. 12:28-51).
Nisan 16: Jesus rises from the dead (the evening before), First Fruits (approximate date) (Mt. 28:1, Lev 23:9-14).
Nisan 17: Haman is hung (Est. 7).

Under the Fig Tree: Messianic Thought Through the Hebrew Calendar

Iyar/Ziv (The Second Month)

Iyar 1: Construction of the 2nd Temple begins (Ezra 3:8).
Iyar 2: Construction of the 1st Temple begins (1 Kgs. 6:1, 2 Chr. 3:1-2).
Iyar 20: The Hebrew people leave Mt. Sinai (Num. 10:11-13).
Iyar 27: Noah and his family exited the ark (Gen 8:14-19).

Sivan (The Third Month)

Sivan 6-7: Shavuot, the Torah is given to the Hebrew people at Mount Sinai, and the Holy Spirit is given. (Lev. 23:15-22, Ex. 19:16-25, Acts 2).
Sivan 23: Decree is made, saying the Jews are allowed to defend themselves (Est. 8:9-13).

Tammuz (The Fourth Month)

Tammuz 5: Ezekiel received his vision (Eze. 1).
Tammuz 9: Jerusalem captured by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 30:1-3, 2 Kgs. 25:1-7).

Av (The Fifth Month)

Av 1: Death of Aaron (Num. 33:38).
Av 9: First and second Temples destroyed (Jer. 52:6-11, Historical sources only for 2nd Temple. Not recorded in the Bible).
Av 10: First Temple set on fire by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 52:12-13).

Elul (The Sixth Month)

Elul 24: Rebuilding of 2nd Temple resumed (Hag. 1:14-15).
Elul 25: Jerusalem’s walls rebuilt (Neh. 6:15).

Tishrei (The Seventh Month)

Tishrei 1: Temple offerings resume, Yom Teruah (Ezra 3:6, Lev. 23:23-25, Num. 29:1-6).
Tishrei 2: Sukkot is celebrated when priests, Levites, and heads of households gather to study the Torah (Neh. 8:13-18).
Tishrei 8: The dedication ceremony for the 1st Temple starts, and the Ark is brought into the Temple (1 Kgs. 8:2-11).
Tishrei 10: Yom Kippur (Lev. 23:26-32, Num. 29:7-11)
Tishrei 15-22: Sukkot (Lev. 23:33-43, Num. 29:12-40, Deut. 16:13-17).
Tishrei 21: Jesus said he is the living water (Jn. 7:37-39).

Cheshvan/Bul (The Eighth Month)

This month, the first Temple building was finished (1 Kgs. 6:38).
Cheshvan 15: King Jeroboam’s Feast was instituted (1 Kgs. 32-33).

Kislev (The Ninth Month)

Kislev 4: Zechariah receives prophecy (Zech. 7).
Kislev 20: Ezra calls Israel out for their sin (Ezra 10:9-12).
Kislev 24: Haggai receives two prophecies (Hag. 2:10, 20).
Kislev 25-Tevet 3: Hanukkah, Jesus in the Temple portico – “I and the Father are one” (John 10:22-42).

Aligning With God’s Appointed Times: Discover the Prophetic and Spiritual Meaning of the Biblical Holidays

Tevet (The Tenth Month)

Tevet 1: Esther crowned queen (Est. 2:16-17).

Shevat (The Eleventh Month)

Shevat 1: Moses told the people God said He’d give them the Promised Land (Deut. 1:3-8).
Shevat 24: Zechariah’s vision (Zech. 1:7).

Adar (The Twelfth Month)

Adar 3: Building of the 2nd Temple completed (Ezra 6:15).
Adar 14: Purim, Jews celebrate victory (Est. 9:17-18).
Adar 25: Jehoiachin freed from prison (2 Kgs. 25:27-30).

Understanding the Hebrew calendar is vital to Belivers because it increases our understanding of the Bible and Biblical events.

Take the Temple, for example. Is it merely a coincidence that the construction of the first and second Temples happened within a day of one another, even though these events took place 485 years apart? How about when both Temples were destroyed on the same day, but the second was destroyed 656 years after the first?

Or, even more intriguing, that Jesus, who John referred to as the Lamb of God before his ministry even started, was crucified on Passover when the Passover lambs were killed (John 1:29, Mt. 26-27)? Or when the Apostles were celebrating God giving the Law on Shavuot, which happened over 1,000 years earlier, the Holy Spirit was given, and the Law was written on their hearts (Ex. 19:16-25, Acts 2)?

I don’t think any of this occurred randomly. It happened just as God knew it would. He also knew what was coming and what would happen in the future. Isn’t it amazing to look at the Hebrew calendar and see God’s faithfulness to His people throughout time?

The plan of the LORD stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
Psalm 33:11

** Free printable Calendar of Important Dates from Hebrew Roots Mom! **

The New Moon of the Bible: Answers for Christians

Written by Holy Branches on August 14, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots. 2 Comments on The New Moon of the Bible: Answers for Christians

Many Believers who have embraced their faith’s Hebraic roots look forward to each new moon. What, if anything, do new moons have to do with our faith?

The new moon is not unique to those in the Hebraic roots and Messianic faiths; it has significance in many cultures. In Hebrew, the new moon is called the Rosh Chodesh, meaning “head of the month,” indicating that it starts a new month on the Hebrew or Biblical calendar.

The Science

Wondering exactly what a new moon is? It’s a thin sliver of moon that appears opposite the full moon in a lunar cycle. New moons can be predicted on the calendar; however, they can be seen within two days of that predicted date.

A new moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun. It appears dark, as if there is no moon in the sky, and the sliver of the moon can be viewed briefly just after sundown.

Where are New Moons Found in the Bible?

You may be surprised (I was!) at how many times new moons are mentioned throughout the Bible. They’re referred to as new moons but also as “the first day of the month.”

In Biblical times, the Hebrew people watched for the new moon and notified those at the Temple when it was sighted. Multiple witnesses were needed to ensure it was seen, as it was very important to mark the beginning of the month correctly.

It’s Biblical that the moon dictates God’s calendar. He even tells us at the very beginning of creation that that was why He created it:

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years
Genesis 1:14

The two important things to note in the above verse are that the word translated here as “seasons” is the Hebrew word “moedim,” which means “appointed times,” such as the Feasts and Festivals. The other important thing is that we notice here that watching the “lights in the expanse of the heavens” reveals God’s calendar to us!

HalleluYAH Original Kosher Half-Polished Kudu Shofar From Israel | Include Velvet Bag, Clean Brush and Shofar Guide

And God’s people aren’t to use the new moons in this way only in Old Testament times. We see that Believers in the New Testament continued to observe the new moons even after Jesus’s ascent into heaven (Col. 2:16), and we’ll even use them in the future in the New Jerusalem (Is. 66:23-24 & Ez. 46:1-7)!

The Bible shows us that some significant things occurred on the first day of the month and points out that these things happened on the first day versus just any day of the month. Here are some of the places where Rosh Chodesh, the new moon, appears in the Bible:

It was the day the mountaintops became visible after the flood and the day the water completely dried up (Genesis 8:5 & 13).
It’s when the Tabernacle was to be set up (Ex. 40:1-2).
The holiday of Yom Teruah is to be on the new moon of the 7th month (Lev. 23:24).
It’s one of the times God talked with Moses (Num. 1:1).
Aaron, priest, and Moses’s brother died (Num 33:38).
David was expected to attend a meal with King Saul but didn’t show up (1 Sam. 20).
The Shunammite woman headed to visit Elisha, even though it wasn’t a new moon when she would have been expected to go (2 Kings 4:23).
Ezra started reading the Torah to Israel in Jerusalem (Ezra 7:6-10).
God’s word came to 2 prophets – Ezekiel (Ez 26:1) and Haggai (Hag. 1:1).

How is it Relevant to Our Faith?

Aside from new moons being mentioned in the Bible and coinciding with Biblical events, how are new moons relevant to our faith as Bible-believing Christians?

To alert us to God’s eternal calendar

Important Biblical events tend to occur according to the calendar God set up. In Leviticus 23, He laid out the Biblical Holy Days, including Passover and Shavuot. When Jesus died on Passover, it taught us that there are similarities between Jesus and the Passover Lamb. On the day the Apostles were celebrating God giving the Law on Shavuot, the Holy Spirit was given to them, which caused them to understand that the Law was now being written on their hearts.

Biblical events lining up with the calendar God set up is one of the most amazing things I’ve found in the Bible! I encourage you to look for more of these coinciding events. There are many!

To know the proper times to observe the Biblical Holy Days

When we pay attention to the new moons, we know when each month on the Hebrew calendar begins. In Leviticus 23, we’re given the month and day each Holy Day is to be observed. The new moon tells us which day is the first, and we can count from there to know when to observe a Holy Day.

The Biblical Holy Days are of great significance to our Christian faith! Here’s an overview of each Holy Day and its relevance to our Messiah. If you haven’t yet observed them as a tradition, give it a try—I think you’ll be blessed by it!

The Biblical New Moon: A Beginner’s Guide for Celebrating (BEKY Books)

How Does a Christian Observe the New Moons?

With no Temple to offer sacrifices, it’s not Biblically clear how to observe new moons. However, regardless of how it was done, the Bible clearly states that God wants His people to notice when it’s the first day of the month.

We can look to the Bible for some direction on what to do on each new moon, though. We can find out what was done on new moons in the Bible and see what we can practice in our day and age to learn and observe what God intended us to do. Of course, it’s always helpful to spend some time in the Word as we’re trying to understand any Biblical concept. Here are some references to the new moons and what was done at that time.

Blow shofars (Num. 10:10).
Present an offering at the Temple (Num. 10:10; 28:11, 14; Ezra 3:5; Neh. 10:32-33).
Have a celebratory meal (David was expected at a meal with the king, 1 Sam. 20:5-27).
Worship (Is. 66:23).
Celebrate. New moons are grouped with other celebratory festivals (Hosea 2:11).
Grain wasn’t sold on the new moon, possibly indicating that it was a Sabbath (Amos 8:5).

Given these Biblical activities done on new moons, what should we do? Here are some things Hebraic Roots Christians do during these times:

Blow shofars
Dance
Plan, discuss, and study the Holy Days of that month
Women gather
Pray

How do you know when the new moons are?

First of all, watch the sky! Also, I love the calendar by First Fruits of Zion for new moons and other appointed times. It also has beautiful pictures of the Land of Israel and verses for each month. Get your First Fruits of Zion Biblical Calendar here!

You’re Not Alone: The Growing Hebraic Christian Faith

Written by Holy Branches on August 14, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots. 2 Comments on You’re Not Alone: The Growing Hebraic Christian Faith

One of the things I enjoy about having a blog is that I get to hear from Christians around the world on the Hebraic path. Thank you for all your comments and emails!

We Often Start As Islands

I hear many different things from my audience, but I hear one thing far more than anything else. Those who read my website tell me they’ve been convicted to practice their faith differently but find themselves alone. Their churches, families, and even spouses may be unsupportive of their journey, and lacking community in their new faith walk, they find themselves alone.

But this isn’t the case! They’re not alone. Although they may find themselves alone initially, many who have been on this path for years remember starting that way. However, now, they have a community of Believers on a similar path, and may even refer to that group as “family.”

What I’ve Witnessed

I’ve been on the Hebraic path for about eleven years and have seen it grow by leaps and bounds. When I was first convicted to divert from traditional Christianity, the resources were minimal. Now, there are many resources for those in our faith, and they’re continually increasing.

Internet Search

It used to be that an internet search of “Hebrew Roots,” “Christian Jewish Roots,” or other related terms led to just a few obscure results, which were low in the search results. But now, searching for these exact terms reveals many related results from numerous sources. There are blogs (like this one), videos, books, etc., on these topics on the internet, and they’re more accessible and easier to find.

Aside from Holy Branches, here are a few sites you may find exciting and educational.

Hebrew For Christians

Hebrew Roots of Christianity

119 Ministries

Hebraic Roots Network

Shopping

When I search for Hebrew Roots books on Amazon, pages of related results will appear, where there weren’t many at the beginning of my journey. There’s even a homeschool curriculum for my children in this area, which is astonishing as it wasn’t available when my older ones were young—a few years ago!

The other thing I find much more prevalent in online stores is the items used in the practice of the Hebraic faith. Shofars, hanukkiahs, Messianic jewelry, clothing, etc., are available in many options, specifically for Christians in this faith!

Congregation Search

Searching for Hebraic and Messianic congregations is another area where I see this Movement’s growth. Results were minimal when I searched for Messianic congregations in the U.S. just a few years ago, but now many congregations appear in these searches, making it easier for those seeking fellowship to find it.

Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Imitation Leather Tan/Brown Cover, NRSB

For more info on finding a community for you and your family, check out How to Find a Hebrew Roots Congregation.

It’s exciting to be part of a growing faith and return to our Biblical roots. Look a little further if you feel you’re the only one on this path! We’re here, and our numbers are growing each day. Praise God!

Havdalah: Separation Between the Holy and the Common

Written by Holy Branches on July 30, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots, Sabbath. 2 Comments on Havdalah: Separation Between the Holy and the Common

I’ve previously written about the importance of the Sabbath (Shabbat) and how to observe it. We light candles and say blessings to set the Sabbath apart from all other days.

In addition, there’s a tradition that reminds us when the Sabbath is over, and we return to our regular week. It’s called Havdalah. In Hebrew, Havdalah means “separation” and celebrates what a blessing the Sabbath is. It’s a way of both saying our goodbyes to it and looking forward to next week’s Sabbath. As our God has asked of us, Havdalah is another way to remember the Sabbath. It’s also how we can keep it holy and set it apart from the other days.

The Dreidel Company Havdalah Candle Handcrafted Blue & White Paraffin Wax, Shabbat Candle, Shabbat Judaica Gift (2-Pack)

The three essential elements of the Havdalah service are a cup of wine, a braided, multi-wick candle to light, and fragrant spices. Held on Saturday evening, just after sundown, the Havdalah service is typically held at home instead of in a congregational setting.

Like other traditions, the order of a basic Havdalah ceremony varies among households.

Click here for a printable Step-by-Step Havdalah Guide

The Blessing Over the Wine

This blessing is the same one we say when we bring in the Shabbat called the HaGafen. Fill the cup to the very brim with wine. It’s okay if it overflows – that signifies our overflowing blessings. Recite the blessing, but don’t drink the wine until after the Havdalah service concludes.

In English:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. (Response: Amen)

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, bo-rei pe-ri ha-ga-fen. (Response: “Amen”)

The Blessing Over the Spices

At the Havdalah service, we smell pleasantly fragrant spices to remind everyone of the blessing we’ve been given in the Sabbath. Cloves and cinnamon are the most often used spices, but hyssop, anise, and other spices can also be used. A blessing is then said over the spices.

Havdalah Set Metal Covered with Enamel – Slate Blue/Grey – includes Matching Kiddush Cup Goblet and Tray, Havdualah Candle Holder, Besamim Spice Box – End of Shabbat Gift Set by Zion Judaica

In English:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, creator of different types of spices.

(Response: Amen)

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִם

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, bo-rei mee-nei ve-sah-meem.

(Response: “Amen”)

The Blessing Over the Havdalah Candle

By lighting the havdalah candle, we remember two things – that light was the first thing created by our God and that the Sabbath is over, and we begin our work, our “creating.” Lighting the candle represents our first act or work of the week, as many don’t light candles on the Sabbath due to Exodus 35:3.

In English:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, creator of the light of the fire.

(Response: Amen)

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מְאוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, bo-rei meh-or-ee ha-esh.

(Response: “Amen”)

The Blessing of Separation

The final blessing brings it all together. Havdalah is to distinguish the sacred from the common, the holy from the unholy. It states that the holy Shabbat has ended, and the work week has begun. This blessing praises God for separating. While this may seem strange, think of all the separating God does. He separated the light from darkness, the waters from the heavens, the seas from the dry land, the Sabbath from the rest of the week, His people from among the nations, etc.

In the command to keep the Sabbath, we must keep it holy. Keeping it holy means we’re to set it apart from the rest of the days of the week. Havdalah is one way to keep the Sabbath holy – we’re deliberately separating it from the other days of the week. Here’s the blessing over separation, called the Hamavdil.

In English:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who distinguishes between the holy and the profane, light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of work. Blessed are you, Lord, who separates between the holy and the profane. (Response: Amen)

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קדֶשׁ לְחוֹל

, בֵּין אוֹר לְחֹשֶׁך, בֵּין יִשְׂרָאֵל לָאַםִּים, בֵּין יוֹם הַשְׁבִיעִי לְשֶׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַםַּעֲשֶׂה

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קדֶשׁ לְחוֹל

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, ha-mahv-dil ben ko-desh leh-chol, ben or leh-cho-shech ben yees-ra-el la-a-meem ben yom hash-vee-ee leh-sheh-sheht yeh-mei ha-mah-ah-seh. Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai ha-mahv-dil ben ko-desh leh-chol.

(Response: “Amen”)

The End of the Shabbat

After the blessings, take a drink of the wine. The havdalah candle is then extinguished in the wine that overflowed from the cup, symbolizing that the Shabbat is now over. Everyone can now wish each other a “Shavua Tov” – a good week!

Click here for a printable Step-by-Step Havdalah Guide

A Havdalah service is important because it separates the holiness of the Sabbath from the other days of the week. Instead of just being another day, the Sabbath is separated with the Shabbat service on Friday evening and the Havdalah on Saturday evening. This clear separation is not only one way we can honor God’s command to keep the Sabbath holy. It’s also a way to align our week with His calendar and receive even more blessings by living according to His ways!

That Time Jesus Quoted the Torah

Written by Holy Branches on July 29, 2025. Posted in Bible Study. No Comments on That Time Jesus Quoted the Torah

Many of Jesus’s most well-known words have even more meaning than we think! He often quoted the Old Testament in his teachings, bringing its laws and lessons to the forefront of the Christian faith.

The Torah

The term Torah can refer to a few different things. While it’s commonly used as a reference to the first five books of the bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy), it can also mean the first 24 books (Genesis through Chronicles), and it can also include the Oral Torah (or Rabbinical Law). Here, I’m just including some of the times Jesus quoted the first five books of the Old Testament, although there are many more times he quotes or refers to both the Torah and the rest of the Old Testament.

There’s a popular thought in the church right now that The Old Testament has become irrelevant. Its proponents argue that, because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross and the resultant New Covenant, the Old Testament and its archaic commands and stories no longer influence our faith. I couldn’t disagree more with this way of thinking! God’s Word makes clear in both the New and the Old Testaments that the Old Testament is indeed quite relevant to our Christian walk when it says the following:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)

Shema Yisrael Hear O Israel Necklace Pendant

Jesus and the Torah

But more importantly, our Savior Jesus himself saw the importance of the Torah. He told us specifically that he didn’t come to abolish the Law (Matt. 5:17) and that it’s easier for heaven and earth to pass away than even one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail (Luke 16:17).

He not only directly told us of the value of God’s Laws, He quoted the Torah, where we find these Laws, a LOT. Most of his well-known quotes are either direct quotes from the Old Testament or are references to verses throughout it. He knew that much of his audience was of Jewish heritage, like himself, and that they knew the scriptures very, very well. As Gentile Christians, we are sometimes confused by his Old Testament references, but his Jewish audience would have understood completely what he was referencing and why – even though some of them disagreed and thought him blasphemous.

But Jesus didn’t just include references from the Old Testament in his teachings for the audience present at the time; he included them for us, too! He knew that his words would be recorded and read for millennia, and he said exactly what he knew all of us would need to hear. This happened more times than I’m able to list here, but below are just a few of the times Jesus refers to the Torah to make his point.

The Greatest Commandment

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 22:36-40 and Mark 12:28-31)

Judaism traditionally has 613 laws, and in this situation, Jesus’ Jewish audience tested him to see if he knew the correct answer to their question. Of course, he did, and he quoted what’s known as the Shema from the book of Deuteronomy.

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. (Deut. 6:4-5)

He also adds the second most important commandment from Leviticus.

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord. (Lev. 19:18)

During the Sermon on the Mount

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes some well-known parts of the Torah and extends obedience to them even further. He encourages his audience to not only do the minimum to obey these commands but to really take the commands to heart and not even come close to disobeying them.

In reference to the command not to murder in Exodus 20:13, Jesus says:

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. (Matt. 5:21-22)

Yikes! That’s convicting to pretty much all of us. But he goes on from there to cover more of the commandments given in Exodus.

TLV Holy Scriptures: Thinline Edition (Leatherette)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matt. 5:27-30)

Then, he refers to a command in Deuteronomy (24:1) that deals with fair divorce and provisions for women when a man leaves her. He extends the divorce requirement from mere obedience to a heart matter when he points out that a man can’t leave his wife just on a whim or because he’s lost interest in her.

“It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce’; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matt 5:31-22)

When Tempted

During the 40 days that Satan was tempting Jesus, Jesus rebuked Satan when he twisted God’s words to try to trip Jesus up and cause him to sin. His responses remind himself, Satan, and us what God really said and where Jesus’s allegiance lies.

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'” (Matt. 4:3-4 and Luke 4:3-4)

Here, Jesus refers to Deuteronomy 8:3, which says, “He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.”

Then Jesus uses words from the Torah to again refute Satan.

Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written,

‘He will command His angels concerning You’;

and

‘On their hands they will bear You up,

So that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.'”

Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'” (Matt. 4:5-7 and Luke 4:9-12)

Jesus’s response points to Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah.”

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'” (Matt. 4:8-10 and Luke 4:5-8)

During this last test, Jesus once again takes a command from the Torah and holds it up against Satan’s temptation. This one comes from Deuteronomy 6, also. This time, it’s from verse 13. It says, “You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.”

Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewish Words of Jesus Can Change Your Life

The Torah and the entire Old Testament are relevant to our faith, and Jesus often used them to teach his followers and even refute Satan! We should take all of God’s Word to heart and, as 2 Timothy says, use it to be adequate and equipped for every good work.

If you’re interested in learning more about Jesus’s ministry, you’ll enjoy Lois Tverberg’s book Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus.

The Names of God: יהוה, the God of Israel

Written by Holy Branches on July 24, 2025. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. 14 Comments on The Names of God: יהוה, the God of Israel

Studying the Bible can teach us so much about life, but perhaps the most important thing we can learn from the Bible is about God’s character. When we study, we see what God can do and how He interacts with His people. As His character is revealed, so are His attributes, and we can get to know who He is!

If you’re interested in even more names of God, here are other articles in this series you may enjoy.

The Names of God: Revealing God’s Personality Traits

The Names of God: Elohim, The Mighty One

The Names of God: Adonai, Our Lord and Master

Click here for a free printable PDF Names of God Chart to use in your studies!

If you’re new to the Hebrew language, starting with my posts on the Hebrew Alphabet and the Hebrew Vowels may be helpful.

Yahweh – יהוה

This name is the most common one of God used in the Bible. יהוה is used 6,823 times and found in all but three books of the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes, Esther, and Song of Songs). It’s called the Tetragrammaton, Greek for “made of four letters.” In English translations, it appears as “LORD” in all capital letters to distinguish it from other Hebrew words for God.

Since no vowels accompany these four consonants in the oldest texts, there’s some speculation on the pronunciation of this name. Many agree that it’s pronounced “Yahweh,” with the vowels appearing as יַהְוֶה, yet others propose that the vowels are as such instead יְהֹוָה. This second pronunciation would render another familiar name for God – “Yehovah” or the common translation of “Jehovah.”

Most Hebrew words are derived from a 3-consonant root word, and the words derived from that root have similar meanings. יהוה comes from the Hebrew root word meaning “to be.” This translation would make sense as God referred to Himself as “I AM,” a form of the verb “to be.”

יהוה is used as God’s name mostly in situations where He’s interacting with His people. One example is when He appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Ex. 3:2) or breathed life into Adam (Gen. 2:7).

A shortened form of Yahweh, Yah (יָהּ), is used in many places. When Moses and the people of Israel sing, “The LORD is my strength and song” (Ex. 15:2), Yah is the name used for “LORD.”

The Scriptures Large Print Duotone Charcoal Edition (ISR)

As the name of God is holy, many don’t speak it out of reverence and respect. Instead, it’s often replaced by “HaShem,” meaning “the name,” or “Adonai,” meaning “my Lord,” as well as other terms of honor.

Many Christians are interested in returning to more literal interpretations of scripture, including the name of God. The Scriptures Bible from the Institute for Scripture Research has restored יהוה as the name for God throughout the text, rather than replacing it with other words.

יהוה is combined with other words to show us His character even more precisely. Below are examples of this. Each of them reveals yet another aspect of God’s awesome character.

Yahweh Elohim יהוה אֱלֹהִים

This name can be translated as “LORD God,” but it emphasizes God’s creative nature as in Genesis 2:4. One variation on this is יְהוָֽה אֱלֹהָי, Yahweh Elohai, which means “the LORD my God” instead. Another variation is when God addresses His people: “I am the LORD your God.” This is Yahweh Elohechem, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם.

Yahweh El Elyon יהוה אֵל עֶלְיֹון

This term means “LORD God most high,” found in Genesis 14 when Melchizedek blesses Abram just before God promises him a son and countless descendants. It’s also found in Psalms in the form of praise to God.

Yahweh Elohei David יהוה אֱלֹהֵי דָּוִד

Isaiah prophecies to Hezekiah on his supposed deathbed that the “God of his father, David,” would add fifteen years to his life. We can see that God was indeed the God of King David as we get to know many aspects of God through David in Psalms and otherwise.

Yahweh Roie יהוה רֹעִי

Most Christians are very familiar with this aspect of God. This name means “God my shepherd” and is found in the first verse of Psalm 23. It’s translated as “The LORD is my shepherd…”.

Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards: Second Edition

Yahweh Tsuri V’goali יהוה צוּרִי וְגֹאֲלִי

Here’s another name given to God by King David in the Psalms. From Psalm 19:14, God is called David’s “rock and Redeemer” after giving glory to God for His Laws, judgments, and commands.

Yahweh Sali יהוה סַלְעִי

This name, also given by King David, means “God my hiding place.” This phrase is similar to “God, my rock and redeemer” above, but here, the word “rock” can also mean “cliff” or “boulder.” It can also be translated as “refuge.”

Yahweh Avienu יהוה אָבִינוּ

“God, our Father” is what this Hebrew name for God means. It’s found in the book of Isaiah, chapters 63 and 64, where Isaiah pleads for mercy for the people of Israel, as well as David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-20.

Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards: Second Edition

Yahweh Shalom יהוה שָׁלֹום

“The LORD is peace” is what Gideon named the altar he built in Judges 6:24. This was just after an angel appeared to him and told him that God would help him defeat the Midianites, which he later did.

But wait, didn’t God bring war and not peace in this case? Why say that God is peace if He promised the Israelites a war victory?

The peace was brought to God’s people through the defeat of the Midianites because Midian had greatly oppressed the Israelites. Defeating them with God’s help brought freedom and peace.

Yahweh Rof’ekah יהוה רֹפְאֶךָ

Also, Yahweh Rafa (רָפָא) is a name God gave to Himself in Exodus 15:26. He said that he would spare the Hebrew people from the plagues he put on the Egyptians if they were obedient. This name means “healer,” and He has control over our bodies as our Creator. He can heal and protect.

Yahweh Yir’eh יהוה יִרְאֶה

This name comes from Genesis 22:14 when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac out of obedience to God. It means “God provides” or “God who sees”.

Although this name is commonly translated as “Jehovah Jireh,” there’s no “j” sound in Hebrew as there is in English, so a more accurate pronunciation of this name would be “Yuh-hoe-vah yeer-eh”.

For us today, throughout the Bible, even in situations of great persecution like what Paul experienced, God sees our circumstances and knows exactly what’s needed to fulfill His plan for His people. We can be sure that He’s faithful and will always provide!

Yahweh Elohai Yisrael יהוה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

This one is used many times throughout the Old Testament to emphasize that our God is the one being referred to and to distinguish Him from the gods of the people in the surrounding areas.

Yahweh Nissie יהוה נִסִּי

Used only once in the Bible, Exodus 17:15, this is the name Moses gave the altar he built after the Israelites defeated the Amalekites. It means “God, my banner.” The word “banner” could also be “exaltation” or “refuge” as well. Whichever of those he meant, Moses was attributing their victory to God in naming the altar.

Yahweh Maqadashem יהוה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם

This is a name God gives Himself, mostly while He’s giving His Law to His people. It means “LORD, your sanctifier.” We don’t have the power to sanctify ourselves or anything, for that matter. Only our holy God can declare something holy.

Yahweh Oseinu יהוה עֹשֵׂנוּ

This name refers to God’s creative abilities and means “God, our Maker.” It’s found in Psalm 95, which implores us to worship Him and recognize that we’re His people. God is our Creator! He made us, and we are His! Isn’t that amazing?!

Yahweh Shamah יהוה שָׁמָּה

“God is there” is what this name means. From Ezekiel 48:35, this is a prophecy stating the name of the city God will inhabit in the Millennial Kingdom. The city’s name clarifies that God will be physically present there. How amazing! I wonder what it will be like!

Yahweh Tsidqenu יהוה צִדְקֵנוּ

Tsidqenu (pronounced tseed-qay-noo) means righteousness, so this name means “God, our righteousness.” It’s used twice in Jeremiah, chapters 23 and 33, to predict the Messiah. We’re not righteous. But through Jesus, we can appear righteous before God!

Click here for a free printable PDF of my Names of God Chart!

For a more in-depth study of more names of God, check out His Names are Wonderful: Getting to Know God Through His Hebrew Names by Elizabeth Vander Meulen and Barbara Malden.

What DO We Do on the Sabbath?

Written by Holy Branches on July 8, 2025. Posted in Sabbath, Traditions. 27 Comments on What DO We Do on the Sabbath?

What does keeping the Sabbath look like? The fourth commandment is clear, and numerous other places throughout the Bible make it evident that God finds observation of the Sabbath something all His people should do. Keeping the Sabbath means, in part, refraining from work on that day. We are to refrain from our vocation as well as other work.

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.”
Exodus 20:8-11, (NASB)

What we’re not supposed to do on the Sabbath is clear, but what isn’t exactly clear is what we DO on that day. When we don’t work, do we just lay around and watch TV all day? Should we take a vacation? Run errands? Go to church?

There are several places we can look to find these answers. We can read the Bible and determine what Sabbath observance should look like. For practical application, we can learn from Orthodox Jews, who have been observing the Sabbath since Old Testament times. Learning from both leads to a more solid understanding of many Biblical customs, and the Sabbath is one of them.

What does a Jewish Sabbath look like?

They observe the Sabbath on Saturday.

When God commands that the Sabbath should occur on the seventh day, the Jews take Him at His word and keep the Sabbath to the seventh day of the week, Saturday. Jewish days start around sundown, so the Sabbath is from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Hand carved Bethlehem Olive Wood Pair of Candlesticks Candle Holders (7.5 Inches)

They rest.

They take the command not to work as a declaration of their freedom from slavery, as slaves don’t usually get days off. When God freed them from slavery to the Egyptians, he took them as His people, establishing His covenant with them. The sign of this covenant is the Sabbath (Ex. 31:16 and Lev. 24:8).

They attend synagogue services.

They attend services as a family on either Friday evening or Saturday morning, or both.

They study God’s word.

The Torah is read during Friday evening and Saturday morning services. Orthodox Jews also study Torah as a family on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

They spend time with family.

The Sabbath is a leisurely affair, with taking walks, playing games, and hanging out together making up much of the day. They have meals together, with blessings for the food, the Sabbath, and each other.

There’s a definite beginning and end.

They light two candles when it begins, indicating that the family should remember and observe the Sabbath. A small ceremony called Havdalah marks its end, separating it from the other days of the week.

What the Sabbath Looks Like at My House

My family has adopted many of these customs to our Sabbath. When we first began, it wasn’t easy to implement. Not working on Saturdays was difficult, but once I figured it out, having a day of free time was a welcome change! We gradually changed our focus to fill our Sabbath with bible study, family time, and rest.

Keeping the Sabbath has been such a blessing to my family. Our culture is nonstop. While this allows us to be very productive, many American Christians struggle to find time for what they claim are the most important aspects of their lives—their family and faith. True Sabbath observation helps properly align our priorities. When done correctly, the Sabbath becomes a day in one’s schedule where the top priorities stay on top—every week, every year, for generations.

Here are a few things my family does on the Sabbath:

Bible study (individual and as a family)
Attend synagogue
Watch live streams from Beth Yeshua International or Founded in Truth Ministries
Have special meals together
Light candles to mark the beginning of the Sabbath
Say specific blessings like this one, this one, and this one, which is my favorite!
Eat challah bread
Take naps
Sleep in
Hike or take a walk in nature
Go swimming
Eat simple snacks and meals that we prepared in advance
Have a family outing, such as going to the zoo or botanical gardens
Wish each other and others a “Shabbat Shalom!” or peaceful Sabbath

Our Friday evenings are getting more organized as Sabbath observation becomes routine. Each family member has specific roles on the Sabbath and looks forward to participating.

Shabbat Prep

Although we have activities and school that day, Friday is Preparation Day. We spend most of the day preparing for the Sabbath (Shabbat in Hebrew), the day’s focus. Without Preparation Day, preparing everything for a peaceful Sabbath is tough.

Each child (over 5) receives a Shabbat Prep Checklist on Friday morning. Their schoolwork, daily activities, and the chores they’re responsible for are on it. They have chores such as cleaning their rooms, selecting clothes for the next day, showering, and cleaning bathrooms. Doing these things on Friday allows for an evening and the following day, free to relax and enjoy family time.

My Shabbat Prep Checklist includes making meals for that evening and the next day, making challah bread, laying out clothing for the younger children and myself, cleaning the house, finishing laundry, and other tasks. I also ensure the table is set for our Sabbath meal and the necessary items are out (candles, candleholders, challah cover, decorative platters, etc.).

Here are the type of candles we usually use and a pretty cover for the challah bread similar to the one below.

EMANUEL Yair Silk Embroidered Challah Cover for Shabbat and Yom Tov -19.5 x 15.5 Inch

Welcoming the Sabbath

We light our Sabbath candles and say blessings around dinnertime. Usually, this is done just after sunset at the start of the Sabbath, a job commonly reserved for the woman of the house. My oldest daughter says the prayer after I light the candles. She covers her head with a headscarf to say the blessing, which is a sign of respect for God.

Click here for a Step-by-Step guide to welcoming the Sabbath!

After the blessing over the candles, my husband blesses the children and me. The blessings are our favorite part of the Sabbath! My kids wait expectantly for their turn to be blessed. It’s touching when my husband says Proverbs 31, a blessing over me. There’s so much value in my kids watching him do this week after week! You can find out more about the blessings here and here.

After this, my husband says a prayer, and we eat. My husband usually has a subject to discuss related to the Sabbath, that week’s parsha, or just life in general. I try to choose a family favorite for the Friday evening meal to avoid any struggles over the little ones eating their dinner! Afterward, we always watch a movie as a family, complete with popcorn.

During the Day

On Saturday mornings, we either attend our Messianic Jewish Synagogue or do something recreational as a family. Saturday mornings are usually slower than mornings of other days, allowing time for bible study and rest. The Sabbath afternoon is often more leisurely than others, with naps and more study time being common activities.

We have an evening meal, then clean up after our restful day. We even include a Havdalah ceremony to mark the end of our Sabbaths.

Although our Sabbaths are free of work, we have plenty to do on Saturdays – the most important things! With the week’s work out of the way, we fill the day with much-needed rest, study of God’s word, and family time. What used to be an extra workday or a day to catch up on chores and household projects has become our most treasured day of the week. The best part is that keeping the Sabbath shows we’re in a covenant with the God of the universe, and we’re His people! What a marvelous blessing!

The Names of God: Elohim, the Mighty One

Written by Holy Branches on July 8, 2025. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. 5 Comments on The Names of God: Elohim, the Mighty One

There are so many names for God in the Bible. Among them are יהוה (translated LORD in most English translations, Adonai, Elohim, and more. But His names aren’t just there so we know what to call Him. In Hebrew culture, names meant a lot more than that. They described personality traits or even of the purpose of someone’s life.

The significance of names is the same with God. It’s through His many names that we can discover His characteristics and get to know who He really is! Some of His names were ways He named Himself, while others were given to Him by His people. Like many things we learn from the Bible, we discover many of God’s attributes through His interactions with the people in the Bible and the names they gave Him.

This article will cover the name Elohim and those related to it. If you’re interested in even more names of God, here are other articles in this series you may enjoy.

The Names of God: Revealing God’s Personality Traits

The Names of God: יהוה, the God of Israel

The Names of God: Adonai, Our Lord and Master

Find the free printable PDF Names of God Chart here!

If you’re new to the Hebrew language, it may be helpful to start with my posts on the Hebrew Alphabet and the Hebrew Vowels.

Elohim אֱלֹהִים

Plural for Eloah (אֱלֹוהַ ) and from the word El (אֵל), this is the first name of God given in the Bible in Genesis 1:1, just before God created the universe. This name implies God’s mighty nature. Elah (אֱלָהּ), a name meaning “awesome One” is an Aramaic word found in many places throughout the Old Testament, Daniel 2:18, for example.

Like יהוה, Elohim is often attached to other words to expose additional aspects of God’s character. In English translations of the Bible, Elohim is translated as “God”. It doesn’t just refer to our God but also to angels and gods in general, although it’s not capitalized in this case to indicate that. For example, it’s the word used in Exodus 20, verse 3, in the command, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

As I said above, Elohim is a plural form. But why is the plural form used when referring to God? Well, the Bible doesn’t directly explain it, but we do have a few clues. First, it’s not uncommon in Hebrew for something we think of as singular to be found in the plural form. Some examples are “water,” which is mayim (מַיִם), and “face,” which is panim (פָּנִים). Some say Elohim in the plural form refers to the Trinity, while others say that it’s a form of royal “we,” or an “honorific plural” used by or in reference to those of great importance and power.

Elohai, meaning “my God,” can be found where Ruth stays with Naomi in Ruth 1:16, when she says, “Your people shall be my people and your God, my God.” It’s used in many places throughout the Old Testament and was used by Jesus when he quoted David (Ps. 22:1) before his death on the cross by saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”. Just as Elohai changes Elohim to make it “my God,” Eloheinu is “our God.”

El Shaddai אֵל שַׁדַּי

God gave this name to Himself in Genesis 17:1 when establishing His covenant with Abram. El Shaddai means “all-sufficient God”. The word Shaddai is also used by itself in Numbers 24:4, commonly translated as “Almighty.”

El Echad אֵל אֶֽחָד

Echad means “one” in Hebrew so this name means “one God” as in Malachi 2:10. It also reminds us of The Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4 “our God is one”!

El Hanneman אֵל הַֽנֶּאֱמָן

Also in Deuteronomy, this name means “the faithful God” and is used in chapter 7, verse 9 in a warning to the Hebrew people not to turn from their faithful God.

El Tzaddik אֵל צַדִּיק

God gives Himself this name through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 45:21. It means “righteous God.”

El Elyon אֵל עֶלְיֹון

Meaning “most high God,” El Elyon is what King David called God in Psalm 9 when thanking Him for His perfect justice. Elyon can also be found alone, as in Numbers 24:16, where Baalam praises God in prophecy after Balak has tried to convince him to curse Israel.

El Elim אֵל אֵלִים

This name is used in Daniel 11:36. It shows, while others may have many gods, ours is the one who’s above them all!

El De’ot אֵל דֵּעֹות

Hannah gives God this name, meaning “God of knowledge,” in a prayer of thanksgiving for her much-awaited son, Samuel (1 Sam. 2:3). The fear (reverence) of God is described as the beginning of knowledge in Proverbs 1:7, so we can know that He’s the source of all the knowledge we need!

El Haggadol אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים

When addressing the Hebrew people, Moses gives God this name, meaning “the great God” (Deut. 10:17).

El HaKevod אֵל הַכָּבֹוד

“The God of glory” is what this name means. It’s found in Psalm 29, verse 3, where David beautifully describes our awesome God, as he does so often throughout the Psalms.

El HaKadosh אֵל הַקָּדֹושׁ

Hebrew Word Study: Revealing the Heart of God By Chiam Bentorah

In a description of God’s justice, this name, meaning “the holy God,” is given in Isaiah 5:16. There is no one holier than God, making His the only perfect and right judgment.

El HaShamayim אֵל הַשָּׁמָיִם

Meaning “the God of the heavens,” comes from Psalm 136 (verse 26), a Psalm of praise and thankfulness to God for His goodness and blessings to Israel.

El Olam אֵל עֹולָם

This name means “everlasting God” and can be found in Genesis 21:33, just after Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech. Our God is everlasting! He has no beginning and no end! Isn’t that amazing?

El Roi אֵל רֳאִי

In Genesis 16:13, Hagar gave God this name when she found out she was pregnant with Ishmael. It means God who sees”. Because of her life circumstances, it didn’t seem like God saw her, but He did, just like He sees all of us, even when we don’t feel like it!

El Yeshurun אֵל יְשֻׁרוּן

Yeshurun (also translated as “Jeshurun”) means “Israel” or “righteous people,” so this name means “God of Israel”.

El Yisrael אֵל יִשְׂרָאֵל

Just as El Yeshurun and as mentioned in a Psalm of David (Psalm 68:36), this name means “God of Israel”.

El Channun אֵל חַנּוּן

Jonah gave this name to God in Jonah 4:2 in a complaint to Him. It means “gracious God.”

El Rachum אֵל רַחוּם

From a message to the Hebrew people from Moses, this name means “God of compassion” and is found in Deuteronomy 4:31.

El Yashuati אֵל יְשׁוּעָתִי

Related to the name Yeshua (Jesus), this name means “God of my salvation” and is found in Isaiah 12:2. The phrase “God of our salvation” is El Yeshatenu (אֵל יְשׁוּעָתֵנוּ), from Psalm 68:19.

El Kanno אֵל קַנֹּוא

In Joshua 24:19, God is described as “kana”, which can be translated as either “jealous” or “zealous”. This aspect of God’s character is better understood when compared it to a marriage relationship. It’s similar to a man being jealous for his wife. He wants her to himself and doesn’t like to share. This jealousy is how God is with us. He wants to be our only God and doesn’t want to share!

El Hannorah אֵל הַנּוֹרָא

God is described in Nehemiah 9:32 as “the awesome God”. There’s no more accurate statement than that! He is indeed the most awesome there is!

El Chaiyai אֵל חַיָּי

This name, from Psalm 42:8, means “God of my life”. Is He the God of your life? If so, you know the peace that can bring! Closely related is Elohim Chai (אֱלֹהִים חַי), “living God”.

El Ghmulot אֵל גְּמֻלוֹת

In Jeremiah 51:56, Jeremiah refers to God using this name to warn that God will bring Babylon to justice for their treatment of His people. This name is translated as “the LORD is a God of recompense” or “the LORD is a God of retribution.”

Immanu El עִמָּנוּ אֵל

This name is one we’re all familiar with. Commonly translated “Immanuel,” “God with us” in Isaiah 7:14 points forward to when Jesus came to earth, and humans experienced God with them in the form of a man.

Elohim Emet אֱלֹהִים אֱמֶת

While discussing idolatry, Jeremiah distinguishes our God as the “true God” with this name, found in Jeremiah 10:10. El Emet (אֵל אֱמֶת) has the same meaning and is also mentioned in Psalm 31:5.

Elohim Bashamayim אֱלֹהִים בַּשָּׁמַיִם

“God in heaven” is the name given by Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:6.

Elohim Chayim אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים

This name, meaning “living God,” is similar to El Chaiyai and Elohim Chai above. Chai (חַי) in Hebrew means “life”.

Elah Shamayia אֱלָהּ שְׁמַיָּא

Similar to Elohim Bashamayim, from the book of Ezra (7:23), Elah Shamayia means “God of Heaven”.

Elah Yerushalim אֱלָהּ יְרוּשְׁלֶֽם

God is referred to as the “God of Jerusalem” in Ezra 7:19 and as the “God of Israel” (אֱלָהּ יִשְׂרָאֵל) yet again in Ezra 5:1.

Eloah Selichot אֱלֹוהַּ סְלִיחֹות

I’m so thankful for this one! In Nehemiah 9:17, it says that our God is a “God of forgiveness.” We don’t deserve it, but He’s patient with us and has given Jesus to us to redeem our sin, which we can’t do for ourselves.

Elohei Tz’vaot אֱלֹהֵי צְבָאֹות

In 2 Samuel 5:10, the name, “God of hosts” is said to be the cause of David’s greatness.

Elohei Avraham, Yitzach, and Ya’akov אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב

To distinguish from the many gods of the surrounding peoples, our God is the “God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.” “God of Jacob” can also be found as Eloah Ya’akov (אֱלוֹהַּ יַעֲקֹב) in Psalm 114:7.

Elohei HaElohim אֱלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים

In Deuteronomy 10:17, this is another name for “God of gods,” similar to El Elim above. Another name with the same meaning, Elah Elahin (אֱלָהּ אֱלָהִין) can be found in Daniel 2:47.

Elohei MaUzzi אֵל מָעוּזִּי חָיִל

“God, a strong fortress” is what this name means, found in 2 Samuel 22:33. David gives Him this name in praise, attributing all his success to God. A similar name, El sal’i (אֵל סַלְעִי), meaning “God, my rock”, can be found in Psalm 42:9. The word for rock here can also mean a crag or a cliff.

Elohei Mikkarov אֱלֹהֵי מִקָּרֹב

“God who is near” is what God says about Himself in Jeremiah 23:23. What an amazing gift we have in that we’re able to have a God who wants to be close to us!

Elohei Marom אֱלֹהֵי מָרֹום

“God of heights” or “God on high” is how God is described in Micah 6:6. While this may seem like the opposite of the previous name, “God who is near,” but since He’s God, He can be both near to us and a God whose exalted!

Elohei Tzur Yishi אֱלֹהֵי צוּר יִשְׁעִֽי

Similar to El Yashuati above, this name given by David means “God, the rock of my salvation” and is found in 2 Samuel 22:47.

Elohei Mishpat אֱלֹהֵי מִשְׁפָּט

In Isaiah 30:18, the people of Israel are given hope that their God will bring justice to those who have mistreated them. This name means “God of justice”.

Elohei Kedem אֱלֹהֵי קֶדֶם

“Eternal God” is what this name means. It’s used in Deuteronomy 33:27 by Moses on his deathbed. Although he knows he can’t accompany the Hebrew people into the Promised Land, he does know the God that will go with them and that He is forever.

Elohei Tehellati אֱלֹהֵי תְהִלָּתִי

This name should really be the name we all have for God. Elohai Tellhelati means “God of my praise.” Like no one else, God’s the only one deserving of all of our praise!

Elohei Avoteinu אֱלֹהֵי אֲבֹותֵינוּ

Meaning “God of our fathers”, this is yet another name given by David, and it can be found in 1 Chronicles 12:17. Elah Ahavti (אֱלָהּ אֲבָהָתִי) is similar but means “God of my fathers” (Daniel 2:23).

Elohei Nachor אֱלֹהֵי נָחוֹר

Just as He’s the God of Abraham, God is also described as the God of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, in Genesis 31:53.

Elohei Haruchot Lakol Basar אֱלֹהֵי הָרוּחֹת לְכָל־בָּשָׂר

Moses and Aaron describe God as the “God of the spirits of all flesh” in Numbers 16:22, and Moses repeats this in chapter 27, verse 16. Our God is not only God over everything physical but also over the spiritual world! What an amazing God we have!

Click here for a free printable PDF version of my Names of God Chart!

There are so many names of God related to El and Elohim! It’s impossible for us to fully comprehend all of who He is but the study of His names gives us a glimpse of His character and He’s just awesome!