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.

A Very Basic Christian Passover Seder Guide

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Hebraic Roots, Passover, Traditions. 14 Comments on A Very Basic Christian Passover Seder Guide

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So, you’ve decided to incorporate the celebration of Passover into your Christian home. Now what? Where to begin? What to buy? Whom to ask? What to say? What to eat? I know only a couple of Christians that were raised with Passover as a family tradition. What a great blessing! Unfortunately, the rest of us must figure it out on our own. But recent years have produced a large number of resources for Christians interested in Passover. This is a great time to introduce Passover as a tradition in your family and to get started passing it on to future generations. Here’s a simplified, step-by-step guide to help you hold your own Christian Passover Seder. As you continue to learn and grow in this practice, you can involve more of the elements and customs as you see fit for your family.

Get a free printable version of this seder guide here!

Pray

Let God know your intentions. Ask Him to help you find the resources you need to observe Passover with your family. You’ll be surprised at His response!

Read the story of the Passover

Make sure you know what you’re celebrating and why. Even if you know the story, go over it again. Obviously, it’s no substitute for the bible but here’s a quick summary. Don’t miss the supernatural awesomeness of God displayed in this story! The point of all this was to show God’s power and proclaim His name throughout the earth (Exodus 9:16). Make sure that gets done through your Passover celebration. Make sure God gets all the glory.

Collect supplies

Here’s a short list for a simple Seder.

A Haggadah – 1 per person (A booklet to lead participants through the Seder)
Bowl of water and towel for hand washing
A Seder Plate – 1 for each table or each participant (can be an actual Seder plate like this one but can also be any large plate)
Matzah – about 5 pieces per participant
Cloth (napkin or otherwise to wrap 3 pieces of the matzah in)
Parsley or celery – 1 piece for each participant
Salt – enough to make saltwater
Small dishes for saltwater – 1 per participant or per every few participants
Charoset – about 1/2 c. per participant
Bone – 1 for each Seder plate (usually a roasted lamb shank bone but we use a drumstick)
Horseradish – about 1 tablespoon per participant
Wine and/or juice – enough for each participant to have 4 glasses/cups
Glasses and/or cups – 1 for each participant
Full meal to eat (other than the Seder elements, usually pork-free and yeast-free)

Set up

Decide who will lead the Seder. Traditionally, it’s the man of the house, but it doesn’t have to be. This person will be praying, pouring wine, etc., so he or she may have to brush up on how to do a Seder ahead of time. Here’s a great video for that.
Fill hand washing bowl with water and have towel accessible.
Put Matzah on a plate so that everyone at the table has access to it.
Wrap 3 pieces of matzah in the cloth and set it at the leader’s place.
Make saltwater in either individual or shared bowls and place on the table.
Prepare Seder plate(s). Place bone, parsley or celery, charoset, and horseradish on the plate.
Place glasses/cups on the table.
Place wine/juice on the table to have it more easily accessible.
Make sure everyone has a Haggadah.

Rite Lite Blue & White Curlicue Seder Plate With Gold Accents

Simplified Summary of the Christian Seder

Pour the first glass of wine. Open with a prayer, thanking God for freeing us from slavery, both through the Exodus from Egypt and from sin through our Messiah, Jesus. Optional: say the HaGafen blessing together.
Pass the washing bowl around, and each participant should wash and dry their hands. This signifies that we must approach God with a clean and pure heart.
Dip the parsley in salt water. Tell participants that this reminds us of our tears in slavery. Eat it after the leader has praised God for the vegetables. The HaAdamah can be said at this time.
The leader removes the middle piece of matzah from the 3 pieces of matzah that have been set aside. It should be broken in 2, and the larger piece wrapped in the cloth. In some homes, it is hidden somewhere in the house for the children to find later. This reminds us that Jesus was broken, wrapped, and buried.
Everyone then lifts a piece of matzah. The blessing over the bread, the HaMotzi, can be said at this time. The leader then explains that the bread is like the bread that the Israelites had upon leaving Egypt. The absence of yeast represents the absence of sin in our lives due to the redemption of that sin through Jesus. Set the matzah down.
Pour another glass of wine. At this point, the youngest child in the house who is able to read should read The Four Questions.
1. On other nights, we don’t dip our food. Why do we dip our food twice tonight?
2. On other nights, we eat regular bread. Why do we eat only matzah tonight?
3. On other nights, we eat other vegetables. Why do we eat parsley tonight?
4. On other nights, we sit in chairs. Why do we recline tonight?
The leader then responds that tonight is different because tonight, we remember that God rescued us from slavery and the slavery of our sin. We dip our food to remind us of the tears shed in our slavery, and we dip again to remember that we are free. Eating matzah reminds us of the Hebrew people hurriedly leaving Egypt and the sinlessness of Jesus. Horseradish reminds us of the bitterness of slavery – both in Egypt and in our sin. We recline as if we’re royalty because we are free people.
The leader tells the Passover story. During the part recalling the plagues, the participants dip their finger in the wine and drop a drop of wine onto a piece of matzah as each plague is recalled (blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn). The leader should emphasize the actual Passover part of the story (lamb’s blood on the doorpost saving God’s people) and that Jesus’s blood allowed our exodus from the slavery of our sin.
Each person should hold up a piece of matzah. The leader should again say that we eat matzah because the Israelites left with no time for their bread to rise. The matzah is also like Jesus, who wasn’t “leavened” with sin so that he could be a sacrifice for ours.
The leader should raise the horseradish and tell everyone that this reminds us of the bitterness of slavery. The leader then puts the horseradish down. The leader should then explain that the charoset reminds us of the mortar used by the Israelite slaves to build brick buildings for the Egyptians.
Everyone lifts the second cup of wine. The leader praises God for saving us and for the fruit of the vine. Then everyone should drink and eat the matzah.
The leader should praise God for the reminder of the bitter herbs. Then all participants should put horseradish on their matzah and eat.
The leader thanks God for the food and for this time to remember the Passover and Jesus, our Passover lamb. The meal is now served.
After the meal is the 3^rd cup of wine. You’ll recognize this part from the Last Supper recorded in the Gospels. If the middle matzah was hidden, now is the time to find it. The leader breaks the once-hidden broken matzah into pieces and gives each believer at the table a piece. Another glass of wine is poured, and everyone should hold the matzah and wine. The leader should summarize the Last Supper and then quote 1 Cor. 11:24 and Mark 14:22, where Jesus said, “This is my body which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Then, everyone should eat their piece of matzah and hold their cup of wine up. The leader should then quote 1 Cor. 11:25 and Mark 14:24, where Jesus said, “This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Then all believers should drink the 3^rd cup.
This is usually the time for a song of praise. Some say a Psalm or sing a hymn. My kids cannot let this moment pass without singing Dayenu until we eventually have to stop them. Ha ha!
The leader now pours the 4^th cup of wine, praises God for the fruit of the vine, and everyone drinks it.
The leader concludes, reminding everyone that tonight’s feast reminds of God’s deliverance for us, not only from slavery in Egypt but also from our sin and the death we deserve. We are redeemed through the blood of Jesus just as the blood of the lamb in the first Passover redeemed the Israelites.

Christ in the Passover: Celebrate a Christian Seder

I know there are some out there reading this thinking “A simple overview?!?!”. I was there once too! There’s more to a full Seder, but this post includes just what I consider to be the most important elements. It’s difficult to introduce this tradition if it’s new to you, but if you’ve been convicted that this is something you should be doing with your family, please do it anyway. My family’s first Passover didn’t go as we planned, and we stumbled through it, but we all have learned a LOT since then! Expect a challenge as you start and continue this rich tradition, and I’m guessing you’ll be blessed by your perseverance.

Get a free printable version of this seder guide here!

I love this pamphlet by Rose Publishing called Christ in the Passover! It explains why Passover is meaningful to Christians and the significance of the items and story behind the Passover Seder.

Happy Passover!

The Feast of Unleavened Bread vs. Passover: What’s the Difference?

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Passover, Traditions. 62 Comments on The Feast of Unleavened Bread vs. Passover: What’s the Difference?

Are Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread the same thing? Although many think they are, they’re described as two separate Feasts in the Bible. The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows right after Passover, though the two events overlap, as I’ll explain below.

Both Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are meaningful celebrations for Christians as we explore our Hebrew roots and grow in our faith. Our Savior and what he’s done for us can be clearly symbolized through both of these Feasts, and if they’re not yet traditions in your home, I highly recommend you consider adopting them! They give such vivid pictures of who Jesus is and why we need him!

Passover

While often referred to as such, Passover isn’t a week or even a day, but a meal held on the 14th day of the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. This corresponds to a date in March or April on our Gregorian calendar.

Although the original command can’t be kept since it includes the sacrifice of the Passover lamb at the Temple, an annual celebration allows us to remember what God did for His people in Egypt.

The meal for Passover, called a Seder, isn’t merely to nourish those who partake, but to serve as a memorial to what God did for His people in the Exodus from Egypt. It’s to be eaten on the 14th day of the month of Nisan, at twilight. It’s important to note here that days on the Hebrew calendar start at twilight the night before.

Rite Lite Marble Seder Plate Design Ceramic Passover Pesach Seder Dish

The Passover lamb in Egypt foreshadows Jesus, our Passover Lamb, and this is clearly shown during the Seder. Just as the blood of the Passover Lamb rescued the Hebrew people from slavery, it’s the blood of Jesus that saves us from the slavery of our sin as well.

Unleavened Bread

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to start on the 15th day of Nisan, the same month as Passover, at twilight. This is a 7-day feast, and the first and last days are to be Sabbaths. These Sabbaths differ from the weekly Sabbath (Saturday) and may occur on any day of the week. Which day of the week they’re on changes from year to year, but no matter what day they occur on, the same rules apply as for the weekly Sabbath – rest and keeping the day holy.

The command for this feast says to eat unleavened bread for seven days and to remove all leaven from your homes before the feast begins (this is the period where the Feast of Unleavened Bread overlaps Passover). In our home, we get rid of anything leavened as well as any leavening agents. For the rest of the 7-day period, all meals and snacks don’t contain any leavening agents or leavened products.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread gives those who participate in it such a great picture of the sin in our lives! The Bible often uses “yeast” or “leaven” to signify sin. In the process of cleaning it out of our homes, we realize very quickly how difficult it is to find and remove it all. There are crumbs in the corners of our pantries and even under our refrigerators. In a house like mine, with seven people, is it even possible to get it all?

But this is the part of this feast that points us right to Jesus. When we see how difficult it is to get all the leaven out of our homes, we realize just how difficult it is to get the sin out of our lives. It’s easy to find the obvious loaves of bread in the pantry but you have to really hunt for the Cheerios between the couch cushions (those of you who have toddlers understand. The rest of you stay with me on this). In the same way, it’s easier to get the big, obvious sins out of our lives, but more difficult to get the hidden, seemingly small ones out before they fester.

Even though we can’t get all of the sin out of our lives, we have Jesus to cover them all. Though we should still strive to live in a way that pleases God, if we believe in Jesus as our Savior, he even forgives the sins we’d rather leave in the dark places under the fridge. Even if the “home” of our life is sparkling clean, chances are that there’s some leaven hiding somewhere.

Sherrie’s Favorite Unleavened Recipes: For Passover and The Days of Unleavened Bread

This is why we need Jesus! He’s the only one capable of perfectly cleaning the “homes” of our lives, which allows us to have a relationship with a holy God. What a wonderful picture!

Just like all of the Seven Biblical Feast Days, Passover and Unleavened Bread both point to our Savior in different but clear ways. My family’s faith has grown so much since we included these important days or “Appointed Times” in the Bible. If they aren’t yet traditions in your home, I encourage you to include them, and I’m sure you’ll be glad you did!

Why Celebrate Passover as a Christian?

Written by Holy Branches on April 8, 2025. Posted in Passover. 6 Comments on Why Celebrate Passover as a Christian?

Passover is a very significant event for the Christian believer. As followers of Jesus, we desire both to walk in his footsteps and to celebrate the sacrifice he made for us. A Passover Seder (traditional “meal” in which the story of Passover is told) is a wonderful tradition in which Christians can both remember God’s faithfulness and celebrate our Savior!

Note: If you’re not familiar with the story of the Passover in the Bible, I recommend you review it, as this article and the celebration of Passover are based on it. The story of the Passover is found in Exodus, chapters 3-15. Here’s a Quick Overview of the Passover Story, but please read the real story in the Bible when you get a quiet moment. It’s amazing!

Here are some of the reasons the celebration of Passover is beneficial to our Christian Faith.

It Points to Jesus

Slavery and the Passover Lamb

Just like the Hebrew people were enslaved by the Egyptians, we all were once slaves to our sin. Romans 6:6 highlights this parallel.

“…our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with so that we would no longer be slaves to sin…”

But like the Hebrew slaves, God sent a savior for us. For them, the blood of the Passover lamb saved them from the last plague, the death of the firstborn. This foreshadowed Jesus’s blood saving us from our sins. John the Baptist recognized that Jesus would fulfill this role for us.

“…he [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

During a Passover Seder, we have two lambs to celebrate. We both remember the lambs whose blood saved the Hebrew people and Jesus, the Lamb who gave his blood to save us.

The timing of Jesus’s crucifixion also shows us why he came and was crucified. His being crucified during Passover was no coincidence. God shows us through this that he truly is our Passover Lamb whose blood is worthy to take away punishment for the sin of all!

The Afikomen

Although much of the Passover Seder points to Jesus, a very interesting part is what’s known as the afikomen. The word means “the coming one,” and it’s the name for the middle piece of matzah (unleavened bread) in a group of three set-aside pieces.

This matzah piece is then broken, wrapped in cloth, hidden, and then found again. When doing this, we remember that Jesus was broken when crucified, wrapped, buried, and rose again! Read this last sentence again if you’re not awestruck by the parallel in this tradition!

The Leaven Clean-Out

Prior to Passover comes one of the best ways I can think of to picture sin and its effect on our lives. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15), which occurs during Passover, is when we not only eat bread without yeast or leaven but also clean the leaven out of our homes entirely!

If you’ve never done this before, let me tell you—it’s difficult, especially if you have a bunch of little people living in your house like I do, who tend to leave crumbs everywhere!

The Bible often uses yeast or leaven to signify sin. Here’s an example.

“…Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Cor. 5:6-8

Here, Paul tells the Corinthian people that sin spreads. Even a little bit of sin will spread throughout a family, church, community, etc., just as it takes just a bit of yeast to leaven a whole lump of dough. When you try to clean every bit of the leaven from your entire home, you realize just how hard it is – and that you can never get it all!

This is just like our sin. We come before a perfect God, desiring to be accepted by Him, but we’ve got sin tucked in all the nooks and crannies of our lives. This is why we can be so grateful for Jesus! He covers all of our sin, even the dirty nooks and crannies, so we can appear before God as clean and acceptable!

Jesus Himself Participated

The story of Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem is celebrated by Christians on Palm Sunday. This is when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, and the people laid palm branches in his path and waved them, saying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!”.

Why was Jesus headed into Jerusalem that day? To celebrate the Passover! This can be found in all four Gospel books in the New Testament. It was during their Passover Seder that Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and instituted communion. In three of the four Gospels, he even said that he’d celebrate Passover again with us someday!

As believers in Jesus, we have the common goal of being more like Jesus. In celebrating Passover, we’re not only walking in his footsteps but also practicing and preparing for a Passover feast with Jesus himself one day! Wow!

God Tells Us to Remember

**Obedience – a Result of Salvation**

God’s people want to please and obey Him. We obey not to try to earn our salvation but because we have a God who knows our needs intimately enough to have provided us with a Savior. It’s out of that same love that God provided us with many commands in the Bible. Being our creator, He knows what’s best for us and has shown us how to live.

So, one wonderful reason to celebrate Passover is because God told us to! He knows that it’s in our best interest and that our celebration can bring glory to Him!

The Command

The command to celebrate Passover is found in many places throughout the Bible. We know that the most important or notable things in the Bible are repeated. God must have placed high importance on the annual celebration of Passover because the command is repeated many times!

Passover is to be observed on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) at twilight. It should also be noted that many of the places Passover is commanded specify that it’s to be done forever – not just while wandering in the desert, not just until that generation was gone, and not just until Jesus comes. Forever. Throughout all generations.

Speaking of generations, some of these commands come with an explanation that we’re to teach our children about Passover and answer their questions about God by recounting the Passover story to them. What an effective way to teach them who God is!

Broken For You: A Christian Haggadah For Passover

The command to observe Passover includes the sacrifice of the Passover lamb at the Temple. Since we currently have no Temple that we have access to for this, we unfortunately can’t fully obey this command. We can, however, obey God when He said to remember when God rescued His people from Egypt. We can also obey Him in teaching our children what God did and who He is through the Passover story.

When we have a Passover Seder, we do just that. We remember what God did for the Hebrew people as well as what God did for us when He sent Jesus to die to atone for our sins. The Bible doesn’t mention a seder, but it does tell us to recall the events of the Passover to our children to teach them about God (Ex. 12:25-27). The seder serves to do just that – to remember what God did and to teach our children so generations after us don’t forget who God is and what He does for His people.

Here’s a list of the verses in the Bible that include a command to observe Passover:

– Exodus 12:14-17, 24-27; 13:3, 6-8, 14-15; 34:18, 25

– Leviticus 23:4-8

– Numbers 9:1-14; 28:16-17

– Deuteronomy 16:2-3

– 2 Kings 23:21-22

– 2 Chronicles 30:1

– Ezekiel 45:21

– Matthew 26:26-29

– Luke 22:17-20

– 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 11:23-26

To Get to Know God

We read and study the Bible not for our own intellectual advancement but to get to know God. As we see Him interact with His people throughout the Bible, we can learn His character. It’s in learning who He is that we can develop a relationship with Him. The story of Passover is just one example.

God explains more fully why Passover shows us who He is.

“Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” Ex. 6:7

God used His supernatural power to free His people from slavery to show them that they were His people, He was their God, and He was faithful to them. Every year, He wants us to retell the story to our children and remember it ourselves so that we know that the Creator of the universe, the one who freed His people from the Egyptians, will be our God. We will be His people, and He will be forever faithful!

If you’re planning a Passover Seder, check out my calendar for the dates. It’s on this list as an 8-day celebration, like it will be on most calendars but the Seder is traditionally held on the second day. The date of Passover stays the same on the Hebrew calendar but changes yearly on our Gregorian calendar.

If you’d like a short, simple, yet Christ-centered guide, here’s the link to my Basic Christian Passover Seder Guide.

If you’re new to the concept of a Gospel-centered Passover, the book Christ in the Passover by Ceil and Moishe Rosen and Jews for Jesus will further explain the themes I touched on here.

Read the Psalms in Their Original Language

Written by Holy Branches on March 5, 2025. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. No Comments on Read the Psalms in Their Original Language

How would you like to read the Psalms in the original Hebrew? Wouldn’t it be fantastic to hear the Psalms the way Jesus heard them? Here’s a way you can – even if you don’t know Hebrew!

Use coupon code HEBREWROOTSMOM to receive a 20% discount
on your Israel365 Book of Psalms!

Israel365

Israel365 publishes the Israel Bible Book of Psalms. They’re an organization that partners with Christians to connect those who know God’s heart for Israel with a practical way to support this precious Nation. As we watch prophecy unfold in the Jewish peoples’ return to Israel, we unfortunately also see them experience hardship in their return to the Land.

Violence and persecution mark what should be a joyous reunion, but Israel365 is helping to make the return to Israel easier for the Jewish people. Holocaust survivors and their families, children, widows, and others are the recipients of aid provided by Israel365. Israel365 also provides a dependable source for Israeli news and other ways for Christians to support Israel.

The Book of Psalms

I love the Hebrew language and feel strongly that Christians should strive to study it, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to learn a new language. We are so blessed to live in a time when we have access to technology that makes it easier to understand the Bible’s original languages, such as Blue Letter Bible and Bible Hub.

The Book of Psalms is another resource that allows you to read the Bible in its original language – without knowing Hebrew! It’s a unique book that contains the Hebrew, English translation, and English pronunciation of the Hebrew for the entire Book of Psalms. The pronunciation (transliteration) will have you reading the Psalms in Hebrew immediately, even if you don’t know any Hebrew at all!

Like others published by Israel365, this book is of high quality, with clear fonts and Hebrew vowel pointing, so it’s also valuable to those new to Hebrew. The chapter divisions are clear, with chapter numbers in both English and Hebrew. There’s also a chart of the Hebrew alphabet at the front of the book so the reader can learn as they read through the Psalms.

This book makes a remarkable gift to anyone who loves the Bible, a Hebrew student, or even a fluent Hebrew speaker! It would be an excellent devotional, an aid to verse memorization, or a way to practice reading in Hebrew.

Use coupon code HEBREWROOTSMOM to receive a 20% discount
on your Israel365 Book of Psalms!

I have many books on the Bible and many that contain Hebrew, but this is on my list of favorites! What a beautiful way to study the poetry of the Psalms!

75 Hebrew Words You Need to Understand the Bible

Written by Holy Branches on December 19, 2024. Posted in Bible Study, Hebrew Language. No Comments on 75 Hebrew Words You Need to Understand the Bible

Understand more about the Bible with Israel365’s newest book. In celebration of 75 years as a country, this beautiful book contains 75 Hebrew words that reveal concepts in God’s word.

Use coupon code HEBREWROOTSMOM to receive a 10% discount
on 75 Hebrew Words!

The creators of this book, Israel365, have a passion for the people and land of Israel. They connect the people of Israel to those who desire to support the Holy Land. Israel365 is a dependable source of news concerning Israel, which can be difficult to find otherwise. They provide Biblical resources to help Bible students understand the Bible, as well as Biblical Hebrew.

The latest book by Israel365 is focused on Hebrew words throughout the Hebrew Bible. Understanding the Hebrew language can boost your understanding of the entire Bible. Read why I encourage all Believers to study Hebrew here: 7 Ways Learning Hebrew Benefits Your Christian Faith.

In 75 Hebrew Words, Rabbi Akiva Gersh has chosen words that increase your understanding of Biblical concepts. Here are a few of the words he explains in the book.

Soul

Hebrew: Neshamah, נְשָׁמָה

The rabbi teaches the connection between the soul and breath when describing the meaning of neshamah. Neshamah is the word used in Genesis 2:7 when God breathed His breath into the nostrils of the human. Understanding the full meaning of the word neshamah shows us that God not only gave us breath, He also breathed our souls into us!

Hymn

Hebrew: Zemer, זֶמֶר

The word “hymn” is used throughout the Psalms as a way we can connect with God, just as King David did. We know God hears our hymns, just as He heard King David’s. Why does the Hebrew text in Psalms sometimes say “Of David, a hymn,” but other times, “A hymn, of David”? Rabbi Gersh explains the difference and the significance in this book!

Holiness

Hebrew: Kedushah, קֶדֻשָּׁה

We may think we understand the concept of holiness, but the Hebrew provides even more clarity. Kedushah means holiness, but its root word, kadosh, indicates separation. This aspect of separation shows us that holiness includes a complete separation from things that are not holy. The rabbi expands on this idea of separation even more in his explanation of this word.

Use coupon code HEBREWROOTSMOM to receive a 10% discount
on 75 Hebrew Words!

75 Hebrew Words not only has intriguing explanations of Hebrew words from the Bible. It also features beautiful pictures from the Holy Land. It’s a well-made book that would make a great gift or even supplement your Biblical Hebrew studies. Click here for more information or to purchase yours!

Hanukkah Activities for Christian Kids

Written by Holy Branches on November 25, 2024. Posted in Hanukkah. No Comments on Hanukkah Activities for Christian Kids

When Christian families embrace the celebration of Hanukkah as a tradition, we must remember that it’s our job to pass our faith on to our children. Hanukkah (or the Feast of Dedication) is a beautiful way to proclaim our God’s attribute of faithfulness and get the whole family involved! Check out my calendar for the dates of Hanukkah this year.

Lighting the Hanukkiah

Obviously, use your best judgment with the degree of participation of little ones, but this most common Hanukkah tradition is great for kids to see. Each night of Hanukkah, another candle is lit on the Hanukkiah (9-branched menorah for Hanukkah). On night 1, the Shamash (helper candle that lights the others) is lit and lights the first. On the second night, the Shamash lights candles 1 and 2, and so on.

Candle lighting is a time to talk to kids about why you’re celebrating Hanukkah and how it relates to our Messiah, Jesus. You can take advantage of the time you have their attention and read the story of Jesus on Hanukkah (see below).

Battle for Torah: The Message of Hanukkah By Key Kindall

Read Hanukkah Stories

We can read about Jesus during Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication) in John 10:22-30) or even read the Hanukkah story in the Books of the Maccabees. Here’s a summary of the story, The Maccabees, The Jewish Freedom Fighters.

Battle for Torah is a poetic book for children written by Kim Kindall, a Believer in Jesus.

The Story of Hanukkah covers the miracles of Hanukkah and even has a latke recipe and instructions for the dreidel game!

My little ones LOVE sticker books! Here’s an adorable Hanukkah-themed sticker and activity book, Ella and Noah Celebrate Hanukkah. It’s sure to keep little hands busy or help them stay quiet during services.

Ella and Noah celebrate Hanukkah: sticker activity book

Dreidel Game

Almost any age can participate in the dreidel game! It’s simple, yet it always turns out to be a good time. Using candy coins is our favorite way to play, but you could use whatever small candy or numerous items you have around the house as tokens.

A dreidel has four sides, with 4 Hebrew letters on them, nun (נ), gimmel (ג), hay (ה), and shin (שׁ). These letters stand for “Nes gadol hayah sham” or “A great miracle happened there.” This statement references the miracles from the Hanukkah story – the victory of the Maccabees and the miracle of the oil.

Here’s how to play:

Each player must start the game with an equal number of tokens.

The Dreidel Company Bulk Solid Blue & White Wooden Hanukkah Dreidels, Hand Painted with English Transliteration- Includes Game Instruction Cards

To begin each round, each player puts one token into the pot (the middle). The first player spins the dreidel once and follows the directions, depending on which side of the dreidel is up when it stops spinning.

If nun (נ) is showing, the player gets nothing, and their turn is over.

Gimmel (ג) means the player gets the entire pot!

Hay (ה) entitles the player to half of the pot’s contents (if there’s an odd number, take half plus one).

If the shin (שׁ) side is up, the player must put one token in the pot.

If the pot has one or less during the game, each player puts one token in to keep the game going.

When a player runs out of tokens, they are “out.”

The winner is the one who gets all the tokens, ending that round of the game.

Hanukkah Crafts

A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays: With Activities for All Ages

Make your candles for your family’s Hanukkiah with this kit from Rite-Lite.

The Dreidel Company Make Your Own Hanukkah Beeswax Candles

There are crafts and many other activities in the book A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays. This book has educational activities for the other Biblical holidays as well.

Find a cute Paper Plate Menorah Craft at NutureStore. There’s a printable for the candles, so your little ones can color them and cut them out.

And while we’re on the subject of online printable crafts, here’s a printable dreidel for your kids to color, cut out, and glue to make a paper dreidel they can really use!

The Dreidel Company Craft-A-Dreidel, Create Your Own Custom Dreidel

There’s also a Custom Dreidel Craft Kit for your little crafters. It comes with an unfinished wooden dreidel, paint, and a paintbrush. The design opportunities are endless!

Hanukkah Recipes

Traditionally, the foods eaten at Hanukkah are those fried in oil. While I’m all for kids helping in the kitchen, I recommend you leave them out of the frying process for safety reasons. You know your kids best – use your best judgment on how and where to include them.

Latkes

Here’s a hint to all my fellow busy moms: I’ve used packaged and frozen shredded hash brown potatoes as a shortcut for this recipe, and they’ve turned out great! Here’s the recipe: Busy Mom’s Cheater Latke Recipe

Sufaganiyot

Wooden Menorah with Removable Wooden Candles – Colorful Chanukah Menorah for Kids

This recipe is made with child participation in mind! It has which portions of the recipe kids can do marked as such, along with those better done by an adult.

Rugelach

You can use the above link to make them from scratch, but there’s also a shortcut. You can use flaky crescent roll dough, fill it with Nutella, and bake it according to the package instructions. Yum!

Challah Bread

A bread that’s both attractive and festive, Challah is served on Shabbat (the Sabbath) and on other special days.

Hanukkah Sugar Cookies

There are so many possibilities when it comes to sugar cookies, and kids are always willing to help with this one. You can use these Hanukkah Cookie Cutters and this frosting recipe to decorate or just add blue and white sprinkles.

I wish you and your family a very Happy Hanukkah!

10 Traditions for a Christian Hanukkah

Written by Holy Branches on November 25, 2024. Posted in Hanukkah, Traditions. 9 Comments on 10 Traditions for a Christian Hanukkah

Celebrating Jesus at Hanukkah: An 8-Day Devotional

We celebrate Hanukkah (or the Feast of Dedication) in our Christian home to focus on God’s omnipotence and faithfulness to His people. As Christians, we also celebrate the re-dedication of our lives due to the cleansing of our hearts through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. If the thought of Christians celebrating Hanukkah is new to you, I invite you to read John 10:22-42 when Jesus observes Hanukkah at the Temple in Jerusalem, and check out this other post on Hanukkah and Christians.

Would you like to create a tradition of celebrating Hanukkah in your Christian home? You can find the dates of Hanukkah here, and below are ten ideas to get you started!

1. Praise God

The themes of Hanukkah are rich with shows of God’s power or omnipotence. His omnipotence is the attribute of God that shows His limitless ability to do, well, anything He wants! He is all-powerful, and this is shown when He caused the Jewish people to have victory over their Syrian rulers. The story goes that He miraculously allowed one day’s worth of oil to burn for eight days until more could be made for the Temple menorah.

God’s faithfulness to His people is the other central theme. Despite great persecution, God preserved His people, just as He always said He would. The circumstances were impossible, but God made it happen anyway. He showed that He stands with His people and keeps the promises He makes to them.

Hanukkah and Purim are for Christians Too! By Kenneth Albin

But it’s not just in the story of Hanukkah that we see these themes. They’re throughout the bible in both the Old and New Testaments, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll see them in your life and those around you. He is all-powerful, and he can do absolutely anything. And He’s always, always faithful to His people. He was then, He is now, and He will be forever. Now THAT’s worth celebrating!

2. Read His Word

Here are a few scripture selections to read to bring your focus onto the themes of Hanukkah:

Exodus 25:31-40, 37:17-24, and 40:24-25, 34-38
Leviticus 24:1-4
The book of Esther
Matthew 5:14-16
John 9:1-12, 10:22-42, and 14:16-17
Romans 8:1-17
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Ephesians 1:7
1 John 1:5-10

Silver Plated Candle Menorah – Fits all Standard Hanukkah Candles – Curved Branches, 8.5″ High x 6.5″ Wide – by Ner Mitzvah

3. Dig into History

While the story of Hanukkah isn’t in the Protestant bible, you can still read it for yourself. It’s found in the first and second books of the Maccabees. Since most Protestants don’t have a copy, here’s a link to the books of the Maccabees where you can read the whole story behind the celebration of Hanukkah.

4. Light the Menorah

Lighting the menorah is by far the most common tradition during Hanukkah. The menorah used during Hanukkah isn’t the same as the one used in the Temple – a seven-branch menorah or lampstand, as it’s called in most translations. The one used during Hanukkah is called a Hanukkiah. Instead of 7, it has nine branches to hold nine candles, one for each of Hanukkah’s eight nights, and one to light the others, called the shamash.

One candle is lit each night, using the candle in the tallest candleholder to light the others. They’re traditionally lit from left to right, and a new candle is added to the Hanukkiah on the right side each night. A blessing is usually said as the candles are lit.

5. Cook in Oil

Dishes served during Hanukkah are usually those cooked in oil to remember the story of the oil miracle in the Temple Menorah. Two of the most well-known are potato pancakes called latkes and jelly doughnuts called sufganiyot.

6. Play Dreidel

While this tradition probably has little to do with the history of Hanukkah, it’s a fun game to play during this celebration that will entertain adults and children. Besides a few (2 or more) fun friends or family members, two things are necessary to enjoy playing Dreidel. A dreidel and something to use as chips or tokens, such as chocolate coins, also called gelt.

A dreidel has four sides, with 4 Hebrew letters on them: nun (נ), gimmel (ג), hay (ה), and shin (שׁ). These letters stand for “Nes gadol hayah sham” or “A great miracle happened there.”

Here’s how to play.

Each player must start the game with an equal number of tokens or chips (this can be almost anything small and numerous. My family has used pennies and M&Ms, but we like chocolate coins best).

If nun (נ) is showing, the player gets nothing, and their turn is over.
Gimmel (ג) means the player gets the entire pot!
Hay (ה) entitles the player to half of the pot’s contents (if there’s an odd number, take half plus one).
If the shin (שׁ) side is up, the player must put one token in the pot.

The Dreidel Company Chocolate Candy Milk Chocolate Coins, Hanukkah Gelt, Gold Coins, Made with Belgian Chocolate, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Nut-Free, Kosher Certified (50-Pack)

If the pot has one or less during the game, each player puts one token in to keep the game going.

When a player runs out of tokens, they are “out.”

The winner is the one who gets all the tokens, ending that round of the game.

7. Give Gifts

Gift-giving is another Hanukkah tradition that isn’t rooted in history. It’s a specifically American tradition, probably resulting from Hanukkah’s proximity to Christmas on our calendar. Some families give one gift each night of Hanukkah, and some even hide them to make it even more fun!

8. Decorate Your Home

Aside from your menorah, the options for decorating your home during Hanukkah are endless. I’ve seen creative and beautiful Hanukkah decorations to complement any décor. We’ve made garlands out of these Stars and usually have one of these Happy Hanukkah banners hanging around the house.

9. Make Some Cookies

We have a tradition of baking and decorating cookies this time of year, and how we do that has morphed over the years. We have settled on a beautiful combination of menorahs and stars of David, mixed with crosses, to reflect our faith and what we celebrate this time of year.

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

10. Get Your Hebrew On

Hanukkah, Chanukah, Hanukah, or Chanukkah – how is it spelled? Well, none of these are precisely correct because the Hebrew word, meaning “to dedicate” in remembrance of the re-dedication of the Temple, is spelled חֲנֻכָּה.

The first letter, chet, is guttural and has no equivalent sound in English. It’s pronounced in the back of your throat like the sound the “ch” makes at the end of “Bach.” Go ahead. Give it a try – Chanukkah.

Greet your Hanukkah guests with style! The standard greeting used during Hanukkah in English is “Happy Hanukkah!”. In Hebrew, it’s “Hanukkah Sameach” (Chan-uh-kuh Sam-ay-ach).

If you plan on celebrating a Christian Hanukkah tradition in your home, these ten ideas should get you started. However you celebrate, ensure God gets all the glory for His infinite power and faithfulness to His people!

I wish you and your family a very Happy Hanukkah!

Gifts From the Holy Land: Artzabox: Holiday

Written by Holy Branches on November 24, 2024. Posted in Hebraic Roots. No Comments on Gifts From the Holy Land: Artzabox: Holiday

Discover the treasures of the Holy Land through Artza’s thoughtfully curated boxes, designed to connect you with its rich heritage and vibrant culture. Each quarter, they collaborate with talented local artisans to handpick unique, high-quality items that offer a deeply meaningful, multi-sensory experience.

This season, their Holiday Box is a celebration of the festive spirit! Packed with beautifully crafted gifts, it’s perfect for sharing the warmth and wonder of the Holy Land with your loved ones—or treating yourself to a touch of its magic. Every item is carefully chosen to make your holidays unforgettable and bring the heart of the Holy Land to your doorstep.

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

Here are the items in the Artza Holiday box.

Star of David Mosaic Kit

This item brought so much joy to my 8-year-old daughter and her friend as they worked together to assemble the mosaic. The kit includes all the necessary supplies and clear instructions, making it easy to dive right in without any extra preparation. It’s a fantastic, creative activity accessible to everyone, even older children. Highly recommended for a fun and engaging project!

The kit has everything needed to create a beautiful mosaic, including stones, glue, a template, sand, etc. Once completed, it forms a Star of David, a meaningful symbol of the unity of the Jewish people. This project is a fun and engaging craft and results in a cherished keepsake to treasure.

Lavido Lotion Kit

I’ve enjoyed Lavido products in a previous Artza box, so I was thrilled to see them included! This kit is perfect as a holiday gift but equally excellent for personal pampering. It includes lotion, facial serum, foot cream, and more—everything you need for a bit of indulgence.

True to Lavido’s style, these products are lightly and pleasantly scented, offering a touch of luxury. They leave your skin feeling silky-smooth and refreshed, making them a delight to use.

Hand-dipped Beeswax Candles

Featured once again in this season’s Artza box, Safed Candles brings their signature craftsmanship to the holiday collection. These elegantly slender candles are stunning and practical, making them perfect for your favorite candle holder. This package of ten lightly scented and carefully crafted candles offers a gentle touch of beauty and warmth to your celebrations. Whether lighting them for a special occasion or simply enjoying their soft glow, Safed Candles remain one of my favorite Artza offerings.

Ahava Stone

Created by survivors of the October 7th attack on the Nova Festival, this carved Jerusalem Stone embodies resilience and the enduring spirit of hope. Crafted by Darya and Ofek of Jerusalem Stone Etching, each piece carries an uplifting message, spreading “Ahava”—love in Hebrew—during even the darkest of times.

The stone included in this box is beautifully etched with the Hebrew phrase: “בִּקְצֵה הָאוֹר יֵשׁ עוֹד אוֹר”—“At the end of the light, there is more light.” Its compact size makes it perfect for displaying in your home or carrying with you as a meaningful reminder. Lightweight and beautifully engraved, this stone is a testament to the power of love and hope.

Potato Seasoning Mix

Each Artza box features an authentic recipe paired with a signature spice or ingredient to bring it to life. This season’s box includes a delicious Potato Seasoning, a versatile blend of herbs perfect for elevating your culinary creations.

Use it to prepare the included Fireside Rosemary Spiced Potato recipe—a savory dish that’s sure to delight—or sprinkle it on any type of potatoes for a burst of flavor. Feeling creative? This aromatic mix can easily enhance other dishes, adding a touch of the Holy Land to your meals.

Hazelnut-Filled Dates

Dates have been a cornerstone of the Israeli diet for centuries, thriving in the region’s warm climate and playing a key role in its culinary traditions. Dates are featured in this box in an exciting and delicious way.

Made by the Israeli company, The Nut House, these premium dates are elevated to a whole new level. Each date is generously filled with creamy hazelnut, then delicately coated in rich cocoa, creating a snack that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-dinner treat, these hazelnut-filled dates offer a natural energy boost while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea, they bring the flavors of Israel straight to your home.

Treat yourself to this unique delicacy and savor the sweet, nutty, and chocolaty layers that make these dates truly unforgettable.

Winter Cider Infusion

One of the joys of the colder months is enjoying a cozy, flavorful drink—and this fruit infusion is perfect for the season! With its delightful blend of dried hibiscus, pineapple, and cranberries, this mix offers a versatile and delicious experience.

Brew it as a soothing tea, add it to a pot of cider for an extra burst of flavor, or simply let it simmer on the stove to fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma. The small, bite-sized pieces make it easy to use in a mesh cheesecloth bag for cooking, and they even double as a sweet, chewy snack that my kids adore.

Whether you’re sipping, snacking, or savoring the fragrant atmosphere it creates, this fruit infusion is sure to become a seasonal favorite for the whole family.

This holiday season, let Artza bring the spirit of the Holy Land into your home and heart. With every box, you’re not just receiving beautifully crafted items; you’re supporting local artisans, cherishing ancient traditions, and deepening your connection to a land rich in history and meaning. Whether you’re gifting it to a loved one or enjoying it yourself, the Artza Holiday Box is more than a collection of treasures—it’s an experience that celebrates faith, culture, and the joy of giving. Embrace the wonder of the season and discover the story of the Holy Land, one box at a time.

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

Gifts From the Holy Land: Artza Box: Biblical Archaeology

Written by Holy Branches on October 17, 2024. Posted in Hebraic Roots. No Comments on Gifts From the Holy Land: Artza Box: Biblical Archaeology

Artza brings the best of the Holy Land to your doorstep! Artza gathers unique items from artisans throughout the Holy Land to provide a multi-sensory way to experience the Holy Land without leaving home!

Artza boxes feature different items each quarter. This quarter’s box is the Biblical Archaeology box, with items representing an archaeology theme. Some of history’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries are found in the Holy Land, so this is a perfect theme for an Artza box!

I love Biblical Archaeology. Intriguingly, items and buildings that are thousands of years old can still be found and tell their story! I love hearing about archaeologists’ discoveries in the Holy Land. Here’s my favorite Biblical Archaeology channel.

I’ve been getting Artza boxes for a while now, and they have been getting better and better! This box is by far my favorite one yet. Here are the items in the Biblical Archaeology box.

Dead Sea Scrolls and Inkwell

This inkwell is my favorite item in the Biblical Archaeology box! Discovered alongside the famous jars containing the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Dead Sea inkwells were used to write those texts thousands of years ago. This box includes an inkwell replica with a reed pen and scroll bearing Psalm 122:7 in Hebrew. It also comes with a card with the Hebrew alphabet and even the Ancient Hebrew alphabet. There’s even a place in the Artzabox booklet to trace some Hebrew words.

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

Wooden Ark Building Kit

Made by Touchwood Designs in Jerusalem, this ready-to-build kit is a tiny replica of the Ark of the Covenant in the Bible. All of the pieces are pre-cut. All you have to do is punch them out of the wood piece and assemble! The assembly instructions are easy, and it doesn’t require glue, nails, or any other supplies other than what’s included.

Wax Stamp and Sealing Wax

This stamp includes wax that can seal five envelopes. But the fascinating thing about the stamp is the design on it. It’s made to resemble a 2,000-year-old ancient coin found in Israel. The stamp is attractive and of good quality, and the gold wax is cut into hexagonal shapes that are just the right size to press with the seal.

Hand-Pressed Hebrew Cards

These hand-made raw paper cards feature a Hebrew word (translated into English) printed on the front and a Bible verse inside. Envelopes are included! The edges of the cards and envelopes are raw, giving them a unique natural appearance. These would be a perfect place to use the seal and sealing wax included in this box for a lovely note of thanks or encouragement to a loved one!

Linen Pillowcase Cover

Featuring loaves and fish from Jesus’s miracle of feeding the 5,000 in the Gospels, this pillowcase cover will fit an 18×18 inch pillow. It is a natural brown color delicately designed with grey/light black ink. There’s a zipper on the back to insert and remove a pillow easily.

Red Lentil Spice Mix

You’ll appreciate the savory aroma of this blend as soon as you open it! This red lentil mix is a ready-to-cook meal or side dish in an attractive container. The Mediterranean Red Lentils recipe is in this Artza box booklet. You’ll need the red lentil mix, olive oil, salt, water, and parsley to make it. That’s it! It only needs to simmer for 10 minutes, so it will take under 30 minutes to make.

Galilean Anointing Oil

This oil is reminiscent of the anointing oil mentioned in the Bible, containing the scents of frankincense and myrrh. Its light fragrance is perfect for an anointing oil or other various purposes. It comes in a glass container with a roller ball for easy application.

Za’atar Cashews

These nuts are a delicious addition to this box. These cashew nuts are flavored with hyssop and other herbs and are roasted in Israel. They’re a low-sugar and tasty, protein-filled snack.

The Biblical Archaeology Artza box is the one I like the most so far. The items included are valuable and meaningful. What a fantastic way to learn about the Holy Land!

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