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.

Understanding Different Beliefs Among Hebraic Believers

Written by Holy Branches on July 17, 2024. Posted in Hebraic Roots. No Comments on Understanding Different Beliefs Among Hebraic Believers

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Like all groups of people, especially within religions, there are aspects of Christianity that Christians disagree on, even though we have the same main beliefs in common. It’s the same within the Hebraic Community. Although we all hold the same main beliefs, there are differences within those beliefs that vary among those in our faith.

There are such varying beliefs among Hebraic Believers because there isn’t one organization called the Hebrew Roots Movement or a statement of faith for Believers who lean more Hebraic in their practices. These individuals may or may not be part of a group that holds the common belief that our faith should include the Biblical roots of our faith as well. For some, this includes observing the Biblical Holy Days, and for others, it means they attend a more traditional Messianic Jewish synagogue.

But when Believers hold differing beliefs, we can still live in peace with one another as we’re one in our Messiah, Yeshua. What we believe differently shouldn’t separate us. Mature adults, especially Christians, can disagree and still get along!

I highlight these differences to clarify where confusion may arise when those new to this way of practicing faith explore it.

Requirement to Keep the Law

All Hebraic Believers I’ve met or talked to believe we’re saved by grace and that the Law isn’t what saves us. I have to repeat this because it’s the most common misconception about the beliefs of those in this faith. It is an important reason traditional Christians disagree with and even have animosity toward Hebraic Believers.

But just to be clear:

None of us believe we’re saved by adhering to the Law.

Traditional Christians believe there are things we should do out of obedience to God, and so do Hebraic Believers. So, if we don’t believe obedience is what saves us, what’s debated here is what life should look like after we’re saved. Some believe God wants us to keep all of the commands in the Old Testament as the God-designed best way to live. Others believe similarly to those in traditional Christianity, in which the Law no longer applies to us post-Jesus.

Among the debated topics are the dietary laws, which those in our faith may adhere to to differing degrees or not at all. Some disagree on kosher diets, eating Biblically Clean, and whether to mix meat and milk.

Exchanging money on the Sabbath is another point of varying views. Although all Hebraic Believers keep the Sabbath, many don’t exchange money on the Sabbath to prevent themselves from working and allow others to take the day off.

Celebration of Christian Holidays

Many Hebraic Believers have given up the main Christian holidays, Christmas and Easter, due to the pagan origin and customs included in them. But others still celebrate, under the context of them being holidays of their culture or family.

All Hebraic Believers observe the Biblical Holy Days to some degree, even if they disagree on whether we’re under the command to do so. We all agree that there are benefits to observing these days, whether spiritual or educational.

Sacred Names

Hebraic Believers treat God’s name with respect, but some consider the more authentic names of God the only ones we can use. They’re opposed to using other terms to refer to God or replace His name and prefer Biblically accurate names instead.

Whether to Include Jewish Traditions

This question often comes into play when Christians interested in the roots of their faith attend a Messianic Jewish Synagogue or are otherwise introduced to Jewish customs. Which of these are the “traditions of man” that we’re not to adopt, and which draw us closer to God and His Word?

Many refuse to include any traditions in the practice of their faith that aren’t explicitly mentioned or commanded in the Bible to ensure they follow God and not man. For example, some say that Believers need to cover their heads, but others regard this as merely a custom and deem it irrelevant.

The Star of David

Traditionally used as a symbol for the Jewish people or the nation of Israel, the Star, also known as the Magen David, is a highly debated subject among Hebraic Believers. While some see its use as an expression of unity with Israel or the Jewish people, others view it as a pagan symbol or the Star of Molech, from Amos 5:25 and Acts 7:43.

Wearing of Tzitzits

While we’re on the subject of clothing, wearing tzitzits is also a debated topic. Wearing them is commanded in Numbers 15:37-41 and Deuteronomy 22:12, but whether to wear them, who is to wear them, and where on one’s person they’re to be worn are all topics of discussion.

Roles of Men & Women

The roles of men and women in the church and family are also sometimes disagreed upon. The Bible uses the words “men” and “sons” literally sometimes but at other times to mean all “mankind,” which would include women as well. This confusion can arise regarding subjects like who should wear tzitzits (above) or who should lead a Passover Seder.

What they DO agree on

Although the Hebraic Community disagrees on a few things, it agrees on many more important ones.

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

Grace — We’re all saved by grace given through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Adhering to the Torah (Law) does not save us.
Biblical Authority – The New and Old Testaments are directly relevant and applicable.
Importance of Holy Days – Whether we’re under a command to observe them or celebrate them to learn and deepen their faith, we all observe them to some degree.
Significance of the Hebrew Language in Bible Study—Almost everyone in this faith is either a beginner Hebrew student or a full-fledged Hebraist, and their love for this ancient Biblical language is unmistakable.
The Church did not replace Israel. We’re grafted in to the promises given to Israel, but we do not take their place.
Politics – This may seem irrelevant to this list, but I find it interesting. All the Hebraic groups I’m in may or may not disagree on many things, but they almost always agree on politics. I haven’t yet figured out why, but it’s very different from the traditional Christian groups I’m in, where there are varying political opinions.

I hope this has clarified these differences in beliefs, which may be confusing to Christians exploring this way of practicing their faith. Our differences make for rich discussion and spiritual growth, both of which benefit us mutually.

Explaining The Chosen: Season 3, Episode 2: Two By Two

Written by Holy Branches on July 16, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Explaining The Chosen: Season 3, Episode 2: Two By Two

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Caution: spoilers ahead!

Episode two of Season Three gives more insight into the characters of some of the disciples, depicts what the commission of the 12 apostles may have been like, and reveals Thomas and Remah’s plan for the future.

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

Olive Oil

When Thomas, James, and John were visiting James and John’s parents, Zebedee offered them (Thomas first) a taste of the olive oil he made. He said that it could be used for ceremonial purposes. People in the ancient Near East used olive oil for many purposes. The lowest quality oil was used to fuel lamps, and the finest was used for ceremonial purposes such as anointing Temple items, priests for Temple service, or lighting the Temple menorah.

When the women discuss Zebedee’s olive oil a few scenes later, Mary says, “I wonder if it can be sold as anointing oil?” Ramah responds, “Holy anointing oil is very specific. It’s laid out in the Books of Moses”. Ramah refers to Exodus 30, verses 22 through 33, where God gives Moses instructions on preparing oil to anoint the Tabernacle items.

Do your fathers know each other?

When Thomas nervously announced that he was thinking of asking Ramah to marry him, Zebedee’s first question was, “Do your fathers know each other?” When Thomas explained that his father was deceased, Zebedee followed with questions about many others who may have the authority to make wedding arrangements. Thomas’s father, older brother,

Times were different then, and it wasn’t up to two people who fell in love to get married. The families were highly involved in the decision to marry and the wedding plans for the bride and groom. There were few exceptions, but as Zebedee points out, Samson and David chose wives on their own – but those marriages led to some problems, so maybe that’s part of why the tradition of the family’s involvement in selecting a spouse carried on for so long!

The Chosen: 3 Fish T-Shirt – Official Merchandise – Available in Unisex, Womens or Youth

Erev Shabbat

Mary, Ramah, and Tamar discussed their low food supply, and Mary said they would be in Matthew’s old house by Erev Shabbat. I’ve discussed Shabbat when I’ve covered other episodes of The Chosen.

On our Gregorian calendar, days start at midnight, but on the Biblical calendar, they start the evening before. This timing is from Genesis 1:4, “and it was evening, and it was morning, the first day…” It’s not just day one that starts in the evening in Genesis 1 – each day does (Gen. 1:5-31).

Where I’m from

Tamar said she’d rather not discuss where she’s from. She’s from Ethiopia, and her reasons for keeping that under wraps are probably due to the vivid history between the Ethiopian people and Israel.

In 2 Chronicles 14, Ethiopia fought Israel. That story didn’t end well for the Ethiopians. God was on Israel’s side, and the Ethiopians met a devastating defeat.

Ethiopia is also called Cush in the Bible because Noah’s grandson, Cush, was chief over the Ethiopians. In addition to being enemies of Israel for geographic reasons, Cush himself fathered Nimrod, the man who founded the ungodly societies of both Babylon and Ninevah. These cities caused much heartache for Israel and God.

Apostles

In Luke 6:13, Jesus told the disciples that twelve of them were now his apostles. These twelve had now moved from a student role to that of teachers themselves.

In the Greek Biblical text, disciples are μαθητής (mathetes), which means “students” or “ones who learn.” The word “apostle” is ἀπόστολος (apostolos), meaning “messengers” or, more literally, “ones who are sent off.”

Apostles weren’t always sent out for the same reasons. For example, when Jewish leadership sent people out to collect taxes, they were also referred to as “apostles .” Apostles were also representatives or agents sent out from a congregation or authority. Jesus was giving them authority, under him, to go out and teach, heal, and cast out demons in his name.

In ancient times, there were various stages of training for a rabbi’s disciples. The first was service to the rabbi, catering to his needs while he taught. The next step was for that disciple to begin his own ministry. To start this ministry, there would be a ceremony, like the one in 1 Timothy 5:22, to mark the point when the teacher’s ministry began. The lack of a ceremony is why the writers of The Chosen had Thaddaeus ask, “Was there a ceremony I missed?”.

The Chosen: You Are Mine Mug – 11 Oz. – Teal

The Lost Sheep of the House of Israel

In Romans 1:16, Paul explains that salvation was first for the Jew, then the Greek. Why would salvation first be for Jews?

When Biblical prophecy promised a messiah, those promises were given to the people of Israel, not to all the peoples on earth at that time. Now, we know that those promises were extended to people outside of the nation of Israel in some cases in the Bible. Ruth, Rahab, and even Abraham came from a people considered “the nations,” which included the non-Israel groups that surrounded God’s people.

We can access God’s promises to Israel by acknowledging God as the one true God, with Jesus as His Son. Romans 9-11 explains that the Messiah was sent to the Jews, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. However, through their faith in God, the Gentiles can benefit from that promise and participate in the blessings brought by the Messiah. Paul compares this concept to a wild olive branch grafted onto a cultivated tree. The wild branch then receives the nutrients from the root, just as the natural branches do. This metaphor shows that Gentiles receive blessings through the root of God’s promises that were originally just meant for the Jewish people because of their faith.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand”

Jesus repeats this phrase as the message the apostles should take as they go out. What does he mean by the “kingdom of heaven,” and how was it “at hand”?

Jesus wasn’t talking about a physical kingdom but a spiritual one. When the apostles were supposed to go out and tell people that the kingdom was at hand, they were bringing a message that the Messiah had arrived and that they could be part of God’s Kingdom by recognizing that miraculous event. God has always had a heavenly kingdom. When Jesus, God’s Son, walked on earth, that kingdom became accessible! That’s the Gospel message and the same one the apostles were supposed to carry throughout the land on their missions.

Shake the dust off of your feet

Matt 10:14, Mark 6:11, and Luke 9:5 all quote Jesus when he tells the disciples (now the apostles) to “shake the dust off of the soles of your feet” when a house or city doesn’t accept them and their message. Of course, Jesus didn’t mean for them to literally shake dust off their feet. This phrase is an idiom meant to teach the disciples that they shouldn’t waste their time and effort on people who openly rejected the disciples and the good news they brought.

A Zealot and a tax collector

Although the situation where Jesus pairs Matthew and Simon the Zealot together on their missionary journey isn’t in the Bible, the fact that they both followed under the same teacher is strange! The Jewish tax collectors were on the side of Rome, which was occupying Jerusalem and ruling the Jewish people. Tax collectors were considered traitors because of their allegiance to the Roman government. Zealots were on the opposite side. They were rigorously trained to oppose the Romans and dedicated their lives to this cause. A tax collector and a zealot would be a strange pair indeed!

Tel Dor

Thomas told Remah he would be headed Southwest, and she asked if he would be near Tel Dor. Tel Dor was a coastal city in Israel Southwest of Capernaum and is now an archaeological site. “Tel” means “mound” or “ruin,” and “dor” means generation, so this city’s name is literally “mound of a generation.” Biblically, this city is called “Dor” and is mentioned many times.

Thomas then says he will see Remah in Joppa, another Biblical city mentioned mostly in Acts but elsewhere in the Bible. It’s South of Dor, also on the Mediterranean coast, and is the site of many well-known events in the Bible. Today it’s called Yafo, but in its Joppa days, it was known as the place where Peter received his vision (Acts 10), the place Jonah fled to hop on a ship to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3), the site of the miracle where Tabitha was brought back to life (Acts 9:32-42), and more.

What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?: An Interactive Bible Study (Volume 1) (The Chosen Bible Study Series)

Little James

James the Less in the Bible is not the same John as James’s brother. Some think he may have been related to Jesus—either his brother or cousin. He’s the son of Alphaeus, and we don’t know as much about him as some of Jesus’s other followers.

Some believe that James the Less in the Bible was in some way disabled, so he’s portrayed in The Chosen as having a handicap. It’s unique to note that the actor portraying Little James actually has some real-life disabilities, so this scene must have some deeper meaning for him!

A Psalm of David

When the twelve gather outside Matthew’s house, they recite Psalm 3, a good reminder for all of us!

O LORD, how many are my foes!

Many are rising against me;

many are saying of my soul,

“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,

my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I cried aloud to the LORD,

and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;

I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.

I will not be afraid of many thousands of people

who have set themselves against me all around.

Arise, O LORD!

Save me, O my God!

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;

you break the teeth of the wicked.

Salvation belongs to the LORD;

your blessing be on your people! Selah

Ps. 3:1-8 (ESV)

That brings us to the end of another beautiful episode of The Chosen. I can’t wait to see what Episode 3 brings!

Artza box: Gifts from the Holy Land: Renewal and Resilience

Written by Holy Branches on July 7, 2024. Posted in Hebraic Roots. No Comments on Artza box: Gifts from the Holy Land: Renewal and Resilience

Here’s the latest Artza box! My family has been enjoying these subscription boxes containing various items from the Holy Land.

Artza features a different box each quarter, each with unique items from a different region or surrounding a different theme. This quarter’s box is the Renewal and Resilience box.

Check out my reviews of previous Artza boxes here!

The items in the Renewal and Resilience box symbolize the strength of the Israeli people in the face of ongoing conflict. The war directly impacts the artisans and charities whose products are included in this box. By purchasing this box, you are not just buying unique products but also becoming a part of their resilience and renewal, empowering them to continue their work.

Here are the products included in the Renewal and Resilience box.

Gourmet Carmel Heavenly Popcorn
This item was an instant hit in my house, disappearing within minutes of opening the package! The Gourmet Carmel Heavenly Popcorn is a delicious, sweet treat that strikes the perfect balance, making it hard to resist.

Shmuel Wagshul owns Heavenly Pop, which was founded in 2019 in Jerusalem. He carried on the family popcorn business, which his grandfather started and runs today.

Anti-Aging Wild Rose Facial Wash
Here’s another Artza box item created by Esther Lachman, owner of Arugot Organic Wellness. Previous Artza boxes featured her natural cosmetics, so I was glad to see another one!

This facial wash has a light and pleasant citrusy fragrance. It will make your skin smooth and moisturized. The package says it will give a gentle but deep cleanse and can also be used for makeup removal.

Hand-Painted Poppies of Hope Art
The striking red of poppies is beautiful anywhere, but in Israel, they symbolize hope. In addition to this art piece, this box also contains a lovely picture of red poppies in bloom overlooking Jerusalem. The reverse side of this picture says that a blanket of poppies on the Gazan border is an annual phenomenon but that these fields have an even deeper meaning for Israeli communities as they face threats against their home.

This piece of art is a beautiful reminder of hope in the Holy Land, even as it endures attacks from outside. Hagar created this unique metal piece, working with the organization SHEKEL. It’s an attractive reminder of the resilience of God’s people and how He has blessed them despite all of the attacks they’ve braved throughout history.

Orchid Dew Scent Diffuser
Four varieties of orchids grow in the Golan Heights area, but the blue orchids give this diffuser its floral scent. It’s not too overpowering, yet this diffuser fills your home with a beautiful fragrance. The container is also attractive, gracing a counter or shelf with a pleasant aroma and a lovely decoration.

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

Ceramic Dove of Hope
This dove is another reminder of Israel’s hope despite its past and current trials. The blue and white ceramic dove has the word “Shalom” on it in beautiful Hebrew script. A magnet is mounted on the back, making it easy to place in your home. Mine reminds me to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” as stated in Psalm 122:6.

Embossed Leather Israel Case
Both lovely and practical, this case has an outline of the country of Israel and the word “Artza” engraved on it. It has a convenient handle and closes with a zipper. It’s small enough to take small items along during travel and large enough to use as a small purse or for other storage. This item is the “premium” item in this quarter’s box.

Halva Granola
I love pretty much any granola, but this one is unique in that it’s made in a border town near the Gaza Strip. Halva is a sweetened form of tahini that, combined with nuts, dates, and other natural ingredients, makes a delicious addition to this granola.

Stone-Crushed Tahini
At my house, we use tahini to make delicious hummus, a healthy and versatile dip or topping. Tahini is a staple in Mediterranean foods, including Israeli cuisine. This box includes a recipe using this tahini. It’s for Golden Tahini Cauliflower, created by The Tahina King, a restaurant in Jerusalem. This tasty tahini is free of additives or preservatives and is well packaged for shipping in a soft package with a twist spout.

The thoughtful folks at Artza have brought yet another meaningful collection together in the Resilience and Renewal Box. It’s filled with items bearing the Holy Land’s significance and importance to our God and Believers everywhere. Join in with Artza and the artisans represented in this box as they keep their eyes on the hope they have as God’s people living in the Land of Promise.

Welcome to Holy Branches!

Written by Holy Branches on June 11, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized. 1 Comment on Welcome to Holy Branches!

Wondering why this site is changing? Here’s the answer.

In summary, I intend to reflect more clearly what I believe and practice to help my audience find the Biblically solid resources they need to grow in their faith.

Believers arrive at the Hebrew Roots Movement because they are honestly seeking what God desires, but the Movement is a catch-all for Hebraic Believers with varying beliefs. It consists of a wide range of ideologies, from Christians who merely want to apply the whole Bible to how they practice their faith to Gentiles who practice or follow the teaching of Messianic Judaism.

From the beginning of my family’s walk on the Hebraic path, we have leaned heavily toward a Messianic Jewish faith. I’ve found the Messianic Jews to be the most Biblically solid group I’ve encountered. They have thousands of years of Jewish wisdom based on the Hebrew Bible, combined with a solid understanding of the New Testament. My family has grown spiritually by leaps and bounds by being a part of a Messianic Jewish synagogue and community, open to teaching and leading us on our journey.

As I change the website from Hebrew Roots Mom to Holy Branches, the information will mostly remain the same, with less emphasis on the Hebrew Roots Movement. While the concept of Hebrew Roots is valuable in understanding where we belong as Gentiles in God’s Kingdom, there are some specific reasons I’ve chosen to distance myself from the Hebrew Roots Movement itself. I would like to make it very clear that most in the HRM are honestly seeking and are in a place of valuable spiritual growth. However, I’ve occasionally seen beliefs or practices I find unbiblical and concerning in the HRM.

If you are a Believer seeking a deeper Biblical faith, I encourage you to be highly discerning in your search. I highly recommend you find a solid Messianic Jewish source as a starting point and grow from there. As I always advise, seek God in everything when making changes to your faith. Pray about all you hear regarding your faith, and use the Bible as the standard of truth.

I wish you shalom and blessings on your journey,

Holly

What is the New Covenant?

Written by Holy Branches on May 28, 2024. Posted in Bible Study. No Comments on What is the New Covenant?

Do you know what the New Covenant is?

As often as we talk about the New Covenant as Believers, we should have a concise answer to this question. But if you search for the answer on the internet, you’ll come up with varying results that sometimes even conflict!

The concept of the New Covenant is pivotal to our faith, so we need to understand it. We need to search for the answer in the source of ultimate truth, the one that never conflicts and is always correct – the Bible.

What About the New Covenant by D. Thomas Lancaster

A covenant

A covenant is an agreement, a promise, between two parties. The difference between a covenant and other agreements is that a covenant is binding. It’s a serious agreement to enter into, and the consequences for breaking it are devastating.

Paul reveals that it was understood that covenants, even those between humans, were permanent (Gal. 3:15). We even have a permanent covenant in our culture today—marriage. It’s understood that marriage is (ideally, anyway) a permanent covenant that should never be broken.

What is the Old Covenant?

To begin a discussion on the New Covenant, we must first clearly understand what the Old Covenant is.

What we call the Old Covenant is the set of laws God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. These laws were written on stone tablets, and the Hebrew people agreed to follow them (Exodus 24). God said there would be blessings if the people upheld their side of this covenant and curses if they didn’t (Deut. 11:26). God’s side of the covenant was the blessing, and the people’s side was to obey the laws.

What was wrong with the Old Covenant?

Why did the Old Covenant need to be replaced? Did God make a faulty covenant? What was wrong with it?

We know there was nothing wrong with the Old Covenant because God made it. The Bible tells us that the covenant, the Laws God gave His people, were flawless (Ps. 19:7) and that they never change (Ps. 19:9, 89:34). So, why did a New Covenant need to be made?

Jeremiah 3 tells a heartbreaking story of God’s people breaking the covenant. They agreed to it in Exodus but didn’t keep their end of the bargain, and they broke the promise, the covenant God made with them. Notice that God didn’t make changes to the covenant. It was the other side – the people – that made the change. They didn’t keep it.

For a covenant to stay in place, both parties need to keep their side of it. Think about marriage, for example. If the husband stays fully committed, but the wife decides she’s instead going to see other people, the whole covenant has fallen apart. One spouse’s commitment isn’t enough to keep a marriage covenant together.

A total commitment from both parties is necessary for a covenant to stay in place, and it’s the same with the Old Covenant. God remained fully committed to the covenant terms, but the people did not (Jeremiah 31:34), so the covenant became faulty.

The New Covenant

In His grace, our God decided to solve this tragedy by making a new covenant. Isn’t it incredible that we have a patient and loving God providing a second chance to His people, even though they break their promises? What incredibly blessed people we are!

The New Covenant is described in Jeremiah 31.

“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
Jeremiah 31:34, (NASB)

In the verse above, God explains that the New Covenant is when He will write His Law on Israel’s hearts. That’s the definition of the New Covenant—the Law written on our hearts. He also says that He will forgive them for breaking the first covenant.

Notice God did not say He would change the Law or do away with it. All He changed was the location of the same Law He had given in the Old Covenant. He expected Israel (see what Gentile Believers have to do with Israel here) to obey the Old Covenant laws, but this time, these laws would be part of them!

This lack of abolishing the Law is confirmed in Ezekiel 11 when God explains that we will be given a new heart so that we will walk in His statutes and keep His ordinances and do them (Eze. 11:19-21). Again, the New Covenant includes us keeping the laws of the Old Covenant.

Jesus as the New Covenant

Often, when people explain the New Covenant, they say that it’s Jesus’s death for our sins. Because of his sacrifice, we now live under grace and are no longer under the Law.

This explanation is partially correct. Here’s what Jesus has to do with the New Covenant.

It is his blood on which the New Covenant is based.
He’s the guarantor (representation, mediator) of our side of the New Covenant.

A covenant based on blood

The New Covenant is based on Jesus’s blood, but did you know that the Old Covenant was also legitimized by blood?

So Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”
Exodus 24:8, (NASB)

When a New Covenant was to be made, blood was also needed. Jesus provided this necessary blood. Because of his sacrifice, we enter into the New Covenant. We accept the gift of God’s Spirit, and with that, we accept the Law written on our hearts.

Notice again that there was no change to the Law between these two covenants. Now that Jesus’s blood was spilled, the New Covenant could go into effect; as Jesus says in Acts 1:4-8, the Spirit would come after he left Earth. Along with the Spirit would come the Law, now written on our hearts instead of stone tablets.

The Torah Story by Gary Edward Schnittjer

Jesus as our representation

The New Covenant is made between God and us, but Jesus shows up to represent Believers in this covenant. Although we may break God’s Law, Jesus never did. We would have destroyed the New Covenant as well, even after the Law was written on our hearts, but we’re represented by Jesus in the New Covenant instead of ourselves. Because of his representation, we’re technically keeping our side of the New Covenant.

Does this mean we abandon God’s commands? If Jesus covers us and keeps our side of the covenant for us, why should we concern ourselves with God’s Laws?

When we recognize what Jesus has done for us, it should encourage us to follow him. We have been given an incredible gift, and we would be like spoiled rotten children if we were to accept the gift of forgiveness and then turn our backs on what Jesus and God instruct us to do with our lives!

Once we realize the mercy we’ve been given in forgiveness for not keeping God’s Law, we need to change our lives to follow Jesus and align our lives with the way God instructed us to live. Jesus taught us that we’re to obey God’s commands. Here are some of his quotes.

“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.
Matt. 5:17-19, (NASB)

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Matt. 19:16-17, (NASB)

“He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”
John 14:21, (NASB)

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
John 15:10, (NASB)

So, what is the New Covenant? It’s the Law, now written on our hearts. To help us keep our side of this covenant, we have Jesus, whose blood seals it. We are blessed to have a God who loves us enough to give us a second chance and make communion with Him accessible even to us mortals! Hallelujah!

Parashōt, The Original Bible Study!

Written by Holy Branches on May 8, 2024. Posted in Bible Study. 4 Comments on Parashōt, The Original Bible Study!

As Believers, we’re familiar with numerous Bible studies on many subjects, but this one is unique because it’s over 2500 years old! It’s collectively called the parashōt and is believed to originate from the time of Ezra (see below). The word parsha (plural parashōt) means “portion,” and this year-long study focuses on specific “portions” of the Bible with meaningful themes. As Christians, we’re familiar with numerous Bible studies on many subjects, but this one is unique because it’s over 2500 years old! It’s collectively called the parashōt and is believed to originate from the time of Ezra (see below). The word parsha (plural parashōt) means “portion,” and this year-long study focuses on specific “portions” of the Bible with meaningful themes.

Click here to go straight to this year’s free printable Parsha and Holiday Reading Schedule!

It’s sometimes difficult to read through the Bible and extract the themes that connect the whole book and tell the story of the God of the Bible and His people. But this is precisely what the parashōt helps us to see. Many Christians participate in the weekly parsha readings that are read in Jewish synagogues and studied by Jewish people worldwide. One section of the Torah is studied weekly on a yearly cycle, paired with portions from the books of the prophets and, in Messianic Jewish communities, from the New Testament as well.

An Annual Torah Reading Cycle

Synagogues participate in this system of weekly readings from the Torah. For example, this year, on the Sabbath dated January 19 by our Gregorian calendar, the reading is called Shemōt and consists of Exodus 1:1-6:1.

Aside from minor differences in reading schedules, orthodox Jews, Messianic Jews, and many Hebrew Roots Christians study the same section of scripture each week. The parashōt is read in synagogues on The Sabbath (Shabbat) and Holy Days and studied throughout the week prior.

The Nitty Gritty

Although the word Torah sometimes includes rabbinical writings, when I discuss the Torah here, I’m referring to the Bible’s first five books, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers. According to the Hebrew calendar, the parashōt are these five books divided into 54 sections or portions (about 2 to 6 chapters each) to be read weekly. There are also readings for Holy Days and other significant days on the same calendar.

The schedule of readings, repeated each year, is believed to have been for thousands of years! The day of the year the reading cycle begins and ends is called Simchat Torah, meaning “joy of the Torah” or “rejoice in the Torah.”

On Simchat Torah, the Torah (also called “the Law” and “God’s Word”) being given by God to His people is also celebrated. Psalm 1:2 and 119:97 show us that the Torah is something we should love, delight in, and see as a blessing! The creator of the universe gave His Word to His people to lead us, guide us, and ultimately show us who He is and lead us to faith in Him! What a reason to celebrate!

Each Portion Tells a Story

Each reading is given a name, using the first significant word of the reading in Hebrew. The name can tell the reader a bit of what the reading will be about and serves to distinguish one parsha from another.

For example, this past week’s reading, Shemōt (Ex. 1:1-6:1), is named because Exodus 1:1 starts with a list of names, and Shemot means “names” in Hebrew.

Now these are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob; they came each one with his household

EX. 1:1 (NASB), EMPHASIS MINE

While it starts with the names of those accompanying Jacob to Egypt, this Torah portion covers the entire story of Moses’s birth, youth, and the slavery, including the eventual increase in the labor of the Hebrew people. The overall theme is the setup of God’s plan for delivering Israel from slavery.

The Haftarah

The portions from the Torah are the primary parashōt readings, and with each parsha, there is an accompanying reading from books of prophecy in the Old Testament with similar themes. In reference to the selection above, Shemōt, the haftarah reading is Isaiah 27:6-28:13 and 29:22-29:23.

The haftarah goes along with the Torah portion for that week because its message (specifically Isaiah 27:12) is the deliverance of Israel, the same message found in the Torah portion, where we see God’s plan for delivering them from slavery materializing.

History

According to Jewish tradition, this schedule of Torah readings was developed by Ezra when he reintroduced Torah reading to Israel in the book of Nehemiah. It was then that the people turned back to reading the Torah and observing the Holy Days. The parashōt was a way to keep the Israelites from straying again when he reinstated the Temple practices.

Although we can’t be sure this was when this reading schedule started, we know it started long ago. The Aleppo Codex, a 294-page parchment biblical manuscript over 1,000 years old, contains Masoretic notes (commentary and pronunciation additions by rabbis) that specify the parashōt divisions. The Codex is now in a museum in Israel, but Maimonides, a well-respected Torah scholar, based his parashōt divisions on the ones in the Codex as far back as the Middle Ages.

Parashōt for Christians

The weekly parsha is read in the synagogue on the Sabbath and Holy Days and studied throughout the week. The portion read on the upcoming Sabbath is usually studied throughout the week. Everyone’s on the same page when it’s read in the synagogue since they’ve been reading and studying it all week prior.

Messianic Jewish congregations often add a reading from the New Testament (Brit Chadashah in Hebrew) to the readings from the Torah and haftarah. I find this quite interesting as the reading from the New Testament covers the same theme as that in the Torah and haftarah portions. This Bible study method reveals one of the most extraordinary things about the book. Instead of two separate books, the Old and New Testaments have the same themes – they’re just two parts of the same fantastic story!

Interested in Studying the Bible Through the Parashōt?

Here’s my free printable Parsha and Holiday Reading Schedule for this year. It includes New Testament readings with themes relevant to each Torah and haftarah reading. John Parsons, the author of the Hebrew for Christians website, has a study using the parsha readings to aid Christians interested in the Jewish roots of their faith called A Year Through the Torah: A Week-By-Week Journey for Christians. This book is an excellent way to study the Bible!

Challah Bread Recipe

Written by Holy Branches on May 7, 2024. Posted in Recipes, Sabbath. 7 Comments on Challah Bread Recipe

Challah bread is a beautiful and delicious Jewish bread eaten on Shabbat (the Sabbath), holidays, and other special days (except during Passover). It is made from a heavy dough that is separated and braided. A topping is usually added before baking—poppy seeds and sesame seeds are common.

Most Americans pronounce it “hallah” bread, but the “ch” at the beginning of challah is the Hebrew letter “chet” pronounced like the “ch” at the end of Bach. It’s a guttural sound, typical in Hebrew, a harsh sound made in the throat—practice for a minute. Now, practice with your kids. They’ll love it.

After braiding, I double this recipe and put the loaves I am not using for that evening in the freezer to save work on the following Shabbat. They will take a few hours to defrost and rise, so allow that if you freeze yours.

I adapted this recipe from Susan Marcus’s book Enter His Gates. This book is written for Christians who desire to return to their Jewish roots. It contains recipes, traditions, holidays, and more, all explaining how they’re relevant to the Christian faith. I highly recommend it!

I use a 6-strand braid, but a 3-strand braid also looks beautiful. I will include a video for the 6-strand braid soon, so stay tuned!

Gold and Silver Detailed Messianic Seal Necklace

Challah

(makes three loaves)

Ingredients:

3 eggs + 1 egg to brush on top
½ cup sugar
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoons salt
1 ½ cups warm water
2 packages (or 4 ½ teaspoons) Fleischmann’s yeast
6-8 cups flour
Optional: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, coarse salt, etc. for topping

Directions:

Mix all ingredients except the flour.

Add flour until a soft, pliable dough is formed.

Cover and let rise in a warm place away from drafts until doubled in size (about one or two hours).

Punch down and let rise again (about one hour) until doubled.

Divide the dough into 3 sections.

Divide each section into 6 sections and roll each section into a log.

Braid.

Place in a loaf pan or on a pizza stone.

Repeat with the other 2 sections.

Cover and let rise for about 30-40 minutes.

Just before baking, brush loaves with beaten egg.

Optional: top with poppy seeds, coarse salt, sesame seeds, etc.

Bake in 350° oven for about 23 minutes or until golden brown.

Immediately place on a cooling rack.

Enjoy!

Artza Box: Gifts from the Holy Land: Land of Promise

Written by Holy Branches on April 9, 2024. Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on Artza Box: Gifts from the Holy Land: Land of Promise

Here’s another Artza box filled with unique items from the Holy Land! Each box has a different theme and contains items surrounding that theme made by artisans in the featured area. This quarter’s “Land of Promise” box is filled with items from and representative of the Land of Israel.

Would you like to know what was in previous Artza boxes? Click here to read my other Artza box reviews.

Read more about the items included in the Land of Promise box below.

Cacao Bean & Hazelnut Crunch Chocolate

This chocolate is my family’s favorite item in this quarter’s box! I have a house full of coffee lovers, so coffee and chocolate are the perfect combination! This chocolate is flavorful but not too sweet, with crunchy coffee beans and hazelnuts on top.

The artisan who created this delightful concoction is Yaara, an Israeli chocolatier who uses only the finest chocolate in her creations. She incorporates the flavors of nature and Israeli farmers into her chocolate and experiments with new chocolate flavors.

HolyBrew Coffee

Another favorite of my coffee-loving family is the ground coffee. This coffee tastes fresh and smells just heavenly! It’s a medium-dark blend and tastes wonderful! There was also a coupon in the box for some free coffee from HolyBrew!

Dead Sea Mud Cream

Mud from the Dead Sea in Israel has long been known for its healing and beautifying properties. This luxurious cream combines the beneficial Dead Sea mud with floral and herbal extracts for a cream that leaves your skin feeling silky, smooth, and not at all greasy.

It has an earthy floral fragrance and is a thick cream that absorbs quickly. It’s a refreshing way to moisturize after a shower or anytime! Even the impressive container this cream comes in makes it a wonderful gift.

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

Golden Israel Candle Holder

Sized perfectly for a votive or tea candle, this candle holder is a beautiful reminder of Israel for those far away. Use it to create a peaceful mood in your home, and maybe add a scented candle to create the atmosphere you want.

Created by artist Hagar Tirosch, this attractive brass candle holder with a cutout of the shape of the land of Israel will be a welcome addition to any home.

“You Shall Be Blessed” Israeli Dove Art

Each Artza box subscription has a premium option. Premium subscribers receive a unique item not included in the regular subscription box. This box’s premium item is this gorgeous art piece created by Asaf Kornfein.

The quote “You shall be blessed” accompanies the shape of the country of Israel, along with two doves, representing peace. What a beautiful reminder of God’s promise to His people!

Dead Sea Salt Set

These gourmet flavored salts are a great way to upgrade any recipe. Dead sea salt is delicious, but these salts are uniquely flavored. The flavors included in this set are Smoked, Black Course, Hot Chili Pepper, Mint, and Sun-dried Tomato. We love them all, but my family’s favorite is the Smoked flavor. My boys really like the Hot Chili Pepper salt because they’re all about the spicy stuff.

Each Artza box includes a recipe using an item from the box. This box’s recipe is for Spinach & Cheese Bourekas, which use the salt from this flavored salt set. I haven’t tried this one yet. If you do, comment below and let me know how they turned out!

Jerusalem Wall Tapestry

This beautiful decoration features the verse from Psalms 122:6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you enjoy tranquility.” Its creator is the famous Israeli artist Yair Emanuel. His delightful and brightly colored work has been featured in previous Artza boxes.

Jerusalem Five Stones Game

Made by Eran at Gems of Jerusalem, this ancient game consists of five Jerusalem stone cubes. The cubes are new, but the game is old! Thousands of years ago, children played this game in the streets of Jerusalem, and now, you can play that game in your home! What a unique opportunity to get a glimpse into ancient life!

Artza boxes make excellent gifts! Each box directly supports artisans in the Holy Land and brings meaningful items from the Land to your door. Order for yourself or a loved one and get a 20% discount on your first order with my coupon code: HEBREW20

15 Meals that Bring Shalom to Your Shabbat

Written by Holy Branches on February 27, 2024. Posted in Recipes, Sabbath. 6 Comments on 15 Meals that Bring Shalom to Your Shabbat

When making Shabbat (the Sabbath) a tradition in your home, nothing is more challenging to overcome than meals. While we may take a day off, our appetites don’t, and meals are a lot of work, not to mention the cleanup afterward!

Although it takes some planning and preparation, Shabbat meals can be delicious and low-maintenance. Here are 10 of my family’s favorite meals that either can be prepared the day before or require very little preparation and cleanup.

A note when cooking casseroles prepared the day before and chilled overnight – give them some time to come up to room temperature or expect to cook them for a longer time in the oven than the recipe says to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Breakfast

Protein Pancakes/Waffles or Protein Muffins

We make a couple of boxes of these at a time and freeze them so they can be warmed for a quick and easy breakfast. Since they’re high in protein, they’re more substantial than regular pancakes or muffins; they’ll keep everyone satisfied until lunchtime!

Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

This recipe is just your basic Tater Tot Casserole recipe made more breakfasty using turkey sausage (not the breakfast sausage that this recipe calls for) instead of ground beef and adding eggs and cheese. I make it the night before and cook it in the morning.

Silver Circular Aaronic Blessing Necklace

Hash Brown Casserole

While this can’t be put into the health food category, it’s a hearty comfort food that will satisfy everyone. This recipe is another dish I make the night before and cook in the morning. It’s also great to bring to a breakfast potluck. If you do, chances are good that all you’ll bring home is an empty dish!

Parfaits

No recipe is needed here. Parfaits include your favorite yogurt, topped with fruits, nuts, and granola. My children would eat this every day of their lives if they could!

Egg and Veggie Scramble

No recipe is needed here, either. We scramble a bunch of eggs, then add a cooked or steamed vegetable like broccoli, spinach, or potatoes. We’ve also added turkey sausage or smoked beef sausage to this flexible dish. Each member of my family spices their scramble differently. They like Srichacha Sauce, tarragon, Tajin seasoning, or just salt and pepper.

Lunch/Dinner

Israeli Couscous Salad

This dish is a favorite in my house. We vary it by adding gold tomatoes or different cheeses or veggies. And we always have to double the recipe to see that everyone gets their fill.

Chicken Pasta Salad

A regular meal in my family, this one can be made ahead by cooking the chicken and cutting the veggies the day before, so all you have to do before the meal is mix all the ingredients. Don’t mix it ahead of time, though. If combined, sitting overnight or even for a few hours in your fridge will make the croutons mushy and the cheese – well – it’s unappetizing. Mixing and dressing it just before serving for a tasty and healthy meal is quick and easy.

BBQ Brisket Sliders

I’ve made these in both the slow cooker and the Instant Pot. You can make it ahead of time or prepare the ingredients so that it’s quick and easy to make on Saturday morning (slow cooker) or afternoon (Instant Pot) to be ready for a hearty lunch or dinner.

White Chicken Chili

One of my children requests this meal whenever he’s given a choice. It’s an easy meal because you can add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low, although this recipe says to cook on the stove. It goes well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or tortillas.

Rice with Lentils

I have to admit I made this one up. But it’s an easy meal we have so often – both on Shabbat and other days – that it must be mentioned here. You can serve it vegetarian or add chicken or beef to make it more of a main dish.

Squash Casserole

This vegetarian option can also be made the day before and cooked before the meal. It’s hearty for a vegetarian meal and can feed many people!

Snacks/Light Meals

Charcuterie Platter

This snacky appetizer is our absolute favorite Shabbat meal. It’s basically a meat and cheese platter, and there’s even a board made to serve all of this deliciousness. We add all sorts of things to our plate: beef and turkey sausages, various cheeses and crackers, fruits, berries, nuts we love, olives, and dolmas. You can go all out on this one or choose a few of your family’s favorites.

Hummus with Veggies and Pita

You can either purchase ready-made hummus or make your own. Serve it with vegetables your family likes and pita bread, chips, or crackers.

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

Fruit and Dip

We often use vanilla yogurt as a fruit dip, but if we’re feeling like making something special, this Apple Dip recipe is one we’ve used many times. Some great dippers are Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples.

Chips and Salsa

This snack is a no-brainer but can be made special for Shabbat with some homemade Tomatillo Salsa or Guacamole as a more hearty dip.

Does your family have a favorite Shabbat meal? Leave it in the comments!