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Warning: This article contains spoilers. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, do that first!

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

Shanah Tovah

When Mary greets Jesus at the door, she says, “Shanah Tovah,” and he responds, “Shanah Tovah, Eema!”

Shana Tova is a greeting used on and around Rosh Hashanah, the day that starts the calendar year on the Hebrew Calendar. Rosh means “head,” and Hashanah means “the year,” so Rosh Hashanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה‎) is literally “the head of the year.” Shanah (שָׁנָה) means “year,” and Tovah (טוֹבָה) means “good.” So, saying Shanah Tovah means wishing someone a good year. It’s kind of like a Hebrew “Happy New Year!” 

Shanah Tovah is the short version. The whole greeting is “Shanah Tovah Umetukah.” Umetukah (וּמְתוּקָה) means “and sweet,” so this version of the greeting would say literally, “A good and sweet year!”. Another greeting used during this holiday is “Ketivah v’chatima tovah,” which means “Good inscription and sealing.” To understand this greeting, one must also understand the meaning behind Rosh Hashanah and the Holy Day just after it, Yom Kippur. 

In Jewish interpretation, Yom Kippur, ten days after Rosh Hashanah, is the day names are written in the Book of Life. They see the ten days leading up to Yom Kippur as a period of final decision-making on whether their names are written in the Book of Life. Because of this concept, the time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called “The Ten Days of Awe.” During this time, people examine their lives to see if they align with what God would want them to look like. They ask for forgiveness from those they have wronged and from God to prepare for Yom Kippur.  

Challah

Mary tells Jesus that the “Challah is hot and ready.” Challah is the beautiful and delicious bread served on Shabbat (the Sabbath) and other Holy Days. Serving challah instead of just any bread helps set the Sabbath apart from the other days of the week. It’s also a reminder of God’s provision, such as the manna He provided to the Hebrew people as they wandered in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. Some families serve two loaves of challah to demonstrate that God has provided not only what we need but above and beyond!

Later in this scene, Mary complains that the challah isn’t perfectly round. Most of the year, challah is braided and shaped into a loaf shape. But, as we know from the greeting between Mary and Jesus, this scene occurs during Rosh Hashanah. On Rosh Hashanah, a round challah is served instead. The round shape signifies the cyclical nature of life. As we say goodbye to one year and welcome another, we are drawn to the fact that life comes in cycles and seasons. The round challah is also said to represent a crown, acknowledging the sovereignty of our almighty Creator.

For Rosh Hashanah, you usually add something sweet to the round challah. Raisins, chopped apples, and honey are popular choices, and this addition goes along with the theme of a sweet new year.

The Hand-Washing Blessing

Before eating, Jesus washes his hands while saying the traditional blessing. In Jewish tradition, there’s a blessing for every activity one does throughout each day. What an excellent way to stay focused on God and all He’s provided in our daily activities. The Hand Washing Blessing (Netilat Yadaim) goes like this.

In English:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.

In Hebrew: 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדַיִם

Here’s how to pronounce the Hebrew:  

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al n’tilat yadayim.

The Netilat Yadaim says God “commanded us concerning the washing of hands.” Where does this command come from? In Exodus 30:17-21, God commands the Temple priests to wash their hands and feet before they enter the Tabernacle or bring offerings. Even if they’re not in a literal priestly position, the Jewish people see themselves as metaphoric priests in the world. The hand-washing tradition reminds them to focus on God, His eternal kingdom, and their position in it.   

The Shehecheyanu

Before eating, Mary and Jesus recite a prayer to thank God for bringing them to “this holiday season.” This prayer is a traditional Jewish blessing called the Shehecheyanu. It is said on Rosh Hashanah and other holidays and life events. It goes like this.

In English:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this holiday season.

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָֽינוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה

The Hebrew pronunciation:

Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Haolam, shehechiyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higianu lazman hazeh.

Blowing the Shofar

Just after the scene cuts away from Jesus in his bedroom, we see people joyfully making music. One is blowing a shofar, a horn made from a ram’s horn. Today, shofars are used on Rosh Hashanah (also called Yom Teruah) and to mark the appearance of the New Moon and other important events. The command to blow trumpets on Rosh Hashanah (also called Yom Teruah) is in Leviticus 23:23-24 which is why the shofar is explicitly blown on this day. 

Even more important than their qualities as musical instruments, shofars were used in the Bible for communication. Different shofar sounds—three in particular—are used for various situations. As Believers, the concept of trumpet sounds should remind us of times in the Bible when God has done great things and should also prompt us to look forward to when our Messiah will return! 

Later in this episode, at the synagogue service, the shofar blower plays the three different calls of the shofar – shevarim (the three blasts), teruah (the nine short blasts), and the tekiah. For an excellent explanation of the deeper meaning of these three different calls, watch this informative video.

Apples and pomegranates

The same joyful scene shows people handling apples and maybe even pomegranates. Both of these fruits are part of a Rosh Hashanah celebration. 

Apples are sweet and significant due to the hopeful “sweetness of the new year.” They are often dipped in honey to increase their sweetness even further. People often bake apples and honey into breads and desserts to celebrate Rosh Hashanah or incorporate them into sweet dishes for this holiday.

Pomegranates, the fruit that adorned the Temple priests’ garments, represent the commandments. There are thought to be 613 seeds in each pomegranate, the same number as in the Torah. Eating pomegranates during Rosh Hashanah is a sign that one will aim to obey God’s commandments throughout the new year. Pomegranates also represent abundance, so having them at Rosh Hashanah signifies faith in God’s abundant blessings for the new year.

Tashlich

This scene also shows people throwing rocks into the river. This ceremony, called Tashlich, is also typical during Rosh Hashanah. Tashlich, meaning “cast off,” is a prayerful time of repentance in light of Micah 7:19, “He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” During Tashlich, rocks or bread crumbs are thrown into a body of moving water to show that sin is cast off and carried away forever. 

With each rock tossed into the river, people remember their sins and resolve to eliminate them forever. We also recognize that we have a savior qualified to deal with our sins and remove them if we are willing to let him! What a beautiful picture of the grace God has given!

To a Sweet New Year

Jesus dips an apple in honey and says, “To a sweet New Year.” This phrase is another common saying on Rosh Hashanah to indicate faith in God’s provision for a good year. It’s usually said in Hebrew, though. It’s “L’shanah Tovah,” “to a good year.”

Tishrei

After Jesus eats the apple dipped in honey, Leah says, “May these days before Tishrei be as sweet as this food.” 

Rosh Hashanah is on the first day of the month of Tishrei. The month preceding Tishrei is Elul, and the phrase Leah says is often repeated during that month. Elul is a time of heart preparation for the approaching Holy Days. Elul is traditionally a time for introspection and examination to further align one’s life with that of God’s will for them. 

Jesus Bar Joseph

Rabbi Benjamin introduced “Jesus bar Joseph” before Jesus read from the Torah scroll. As you can probably conclude, “bar” means “son,” so “Jesus bar Joseph” means “Jesus, son of Joseph.” “Bar” is not Hebrew, though. It’s Aramaic. “Son” in Hebrew is “ben.” Although most of the Old Testament is in Hebrew, a small percentage, about 1%, is in Aramaic. 

Rabbi Benjamin isn’t merely making an introduction in case people in the audience don’t know Jesus. Introducing the Torah reader using their Hebrew name is a tradition even in today’s synagogues.  

Torah Scroll Reading

Before Jesus read from the scroll, he kissed his hand and touched the edge of it, a traditional practice. The physical scroll itself is not sacred, but the awesome thing about it is that the words of the Almighty God are on it! 

Today, before a Torah reading, the scroll is paraded around the synagogue, with each person either touching the cover of the scroll with their hand, Bible, or other object, then often touching their mouth. They may also do what Jesus did here: kiss their hand and touch the scroll. These actions show reverence for the word of God and that the words of scripture are on their lips.

The verse Jesus read is Isaiah 61:1-2a, and his reading of this portion of scripture in the synagogue is recorded in Luke 4:18-19. It’s not surprising that Jesus quotes the Old Testament in Luke. Jesus often quoted the Old Testament, and much of the New Testament is either quotes from or references to the Old Testament! To understand the New Testament in its proper context, we must have a firm grasp of the Old Testament. 

Year of Jubilee

The words Jesus read from Isaiah, “the year of our Lord’s favor,” are in reference to the Jubilee. According to Leviticus 25, in the 50th year, land was returned to its original owner, slaves were returned to their families, and the land had a rest from being farmed. Debts were also forgiven in the year of Jubilee. Jesus applied this concept of a Jubilee to himself, as the one who frees slaves to sin, brings rest, cancels debts, and makes everything as it should be. 

“You know what the Law of Moses says.”

Aaron refers to Deuteronomy 18:20-22, which says, “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.” So, if Jesus wasn’t who he said he was, the penalty was death! Lazarus was trying to protect Jesus and make sure he wasn’t putting himself in harm’s way by claiming to be the Messiah or even a prophet if he was not. 

The story is fantastic, and this episode had so many exciting things! The writers of The Chosen, with their creativity, did an excellent job portraying Jesus’s time in Nazareth during his ministry. I’m currently working on my comments on Episode four! Check back soon, follow Holy Branches on social media, or sign up for the newsletter to be informed when a new article is published.  

I hear from many of you who realize you want to pursue a more Biblically sound faith that you practice in your daily life. Through Bible study and spiritual growth, many of you have become convicted to deepen your faith and follow God in the way He desires. For some of you, it started with a need to keep the Sabbath, and others arrived here through a deeper understanding of the Bible through the Hebrew language. 
However you arrived at this point, welcome! But I know it can be difficult at first. It’s confusing when you know you’re called to practice your faith differently, but you’re not sure how that’s even supposed to look! 
The truth is that it will look different for everyone. How you practice your faith is between you and God, so please ensure you constantly communicate with Him as you make changes. Ensure you’re following His lead and not that of another person or your own will.

If He’s led you here for some info, I’ve made a list to answer the questions on this topic I get from Believers worldwide. In effect, they say, “I know God wants me to go down this path with my faith, but now what?! Where do I begin?”. If that’s you, here are ten things that may help you set off on the path of deepening your faith through Hebraic Roots. 

1. Get a New Bible

There’s a lot of debate among Christians about which Bible translation is best. But if your goal is to grow your faith into a more Biblically-aligned faith, you’ll be in the market for a Bible that’s translated as literally as possible or retains references to the Biblical culture of the time. There are a few like this, with translation being less paraphrasing and more this-word-equals-that-word kind of thing. The ones I suggest below have even kept some of the original Hebrew words that may lose some meaning by being translated into English. Here are a few great options:

• Tree of Life (the most beginner-friendly option)
• The Scriptures (most literal translation of those I recommend)
• Complete Jewish Bible (most Jewish roots-friendly version)
• Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (contains many helpful pictures and diagrams, available in NIV and NRSV versions)

2. Find A Community

Finding a community is easier in some areas but is necessary as we’re not meant to practice our faith alone! To find a congregation in your area or an online community, check out How to Find a Hebraic Congregation. 

It’s important to realize that the community you find may worship very differently than the traditional Christian church you’re used to. Although each congregation differs, here’s what you can expect at a Messianic Synagogue.

3. Learn About the Holy Days

Returning to a more Biblical faith includes celebrating the holidays in the Bible. In Leviticus 23, God set the Holy Days for His people to observe. Aside from being a way to connect with God in the way He desires, it’s interesting to see how all of the Holy Days relate in some way to our Savior, Jesus.

The 7 Holy Days in Leviticus are:

• The Feast of Passover (Pesach)
• The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzah)
• The Feast of First Fruits (Yom HaBikkurim)
• The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost/Shavuot)
• The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah/Yom Teruah)
• The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
• The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)
  
  There are also optional holidays that some celebrate that aren’t explicitly given by God. These relate to Biblical themes/stories, and some find them very meaningful:
  
• Purim
• Hanukkah

Here’s a free printable calendar of the Holy Days and others you may observe. 

4. Learn Some Hebrew

I know! Learning a new language sounds like an enormous undertaking! And it may be, but there are considerable benefits to our faith in learning the Hebrew Language, such as a more profound understanding in Bible study and being able to participate in Messianic Synagogue services. And I have a feeling you’ll find learning Hebrew isn’t as difficult as it sounds!

Need help figuring out where to start? Print the free chart or flashcards and learn the Hebrew alphabet here: An Introduction to the Hebrew Alphabet. Think you may be too busy to learn Hebrew? Check out these shortcuts. 

5. Learn The Shema

The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) is recited (both in Hebrew and English) in Synagogue services and daily by the Jewish people and some Christians. It’s also Jesus’ answer when asked what the greatest commandment is! 

Chances are high you’ve already heard these verses: 

“Hear, Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!  And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.  And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. You shall also tie them as a sign to your hand, and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead.  You shall also write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

6. Observe the Sabbath

I’ve counted 27 times the Sabbath is commanded (not just discussed) in the Bible! Wow! That tells us that God takes the Sabbath very seriously! 

But many Christians (myself included, not long ago!) don’t know how to keep the Sabbath, even though they may be convicted to do so. Biblically-based Sabbath traditions have been carried out for thousands of years, and studying these can be a great place to start when you decide to keep the Sabbath in your home. Here are some ways you can observe the Sabbath. 

7. Learn About the Torah

The Torah, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers), lays the foundation for the rest of the Bible, so it’s worth every Believer’s time to immerse themselves in its study. Your understanding of what’s in the Torah will affect your understanding of the New Testament, as much of the New Testament is quotes from or references to the Old Testament. 

Interested in a Bible study based on the Torah? Well, here’s one that’s done worldwide and is over 2,500 years old! These five books are divided into sections, each called a portion or Parsha (plural: Parashōt), with one, sometimes two, portions read each week throughout the year. Get your free printable Parsha Reading Schedule here! 

8. Learn About the Commandments

We’re all familiar with the Ten Commandments, but did you know other commandments are given to us in the Bible? For example, when Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was to “Love your neighbor” (Matt. 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-31, Luke 10:25-27), did you know he was quoting the Law commanded in Leviticus?

You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:18

Above, I discussed the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The Shema is another of the Torah’s commands – to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. In the same places (listed in the above paragraph), Jesus referred to this commandment as the greatest. 

There are different opinions among Believers on which commands we’re responsible for and how to keep them. I recommend you listen to those points of view but take those issues to God. Ask whether a specific command applies to you and how He would like you to keep it if it does. Listen humbly for His answer and be open for Him to change your mind and heart if that needs to happen. 

9. Get a New Calendar

While most of us are used to following the Gregorian calendar, it’s not the Biblical calendar. Genesis 1:14 states that the moon and stars were placed in the sky to mark the appointed times (moedim in Hebrew). The Biblical calendar is lunar and doesn’t directly correspond to our Gregorian calendar.

Thankfully, there are calendars that take both the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars into account for those of us who use both! HebCal is an electronic version you can view on a computer or add to your Google Calendar or iCal. First Fruits of Zion has a handy wall calendar with all the Holy Days and other holidays to observe.

And here’s the link to my free printable calendar of Holy Days and other important days again, in case you missed it above.

10. Find a Bible Study

Aside from reading and studying the Torah portions in #7 on this list, some great teachers teach about the Bible from a Hebraic Roots standpoint. 

I highly recommend Torah Class, specifically teacher Tom Bradford. I’ve learned SO much from him, and I’m sure you will, too! 

Other places to study the Bible from a Hebraic point of view:

• Hebraic Roots Network
• Psalm 119 Ministries
• First Fruits of Zion
• Fusion with Rabbi Jason Sobel
  
  

The above are just ten ways to move your faith to a deeper and more Biblical place through Hebraic Roots. Need additional resources? Take some time to search around on this site. I’ve written about many topics you’ll find helpful on your journey.

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. 

• 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.

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.

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.

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

We Often Start As Islands

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

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

What I’ve Witnessed

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

Internet Search

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

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

Hebrew For Christians

Hebrew Roots of Christianity

119 Ministries

Hebraic Roots Network

Shopping

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

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

Congregation Search

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

• 119 Fellowship Finder
• Answers in Torah Messianic Jewish Congregations Direcctory
• Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) Directory
  
  

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

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

While a Hebraic view of the Christian faith may seem new to some, many of us arrived here quite honestly while maturing and applying our faith. An honest analysis of what my daily life should look like and how to pass my values on to my kids brought me into the Movement. Years before, I had accepted Jesus as my savior and declared my faith outwardly in baptism. In studying the Old Testament, I couldn’t reconcile the parts of my faith that didn’t seem to align with God’s plan for His people. I wanted to be all in – serious about my relationship with God by following His word and His son without just following those before me.

Praying God’s Heart

In a leadership exercise for my Bible Study group, I decided to pray for God to put on my heart what was on His. While this was something I had never done before, I did it anyway. I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t expect anything to change. But He did answer! Once I began to pray for this, I always had Israel on my mind. Before this, I couldn’t have even located Israel on a world map (another embarrassing confession). I started to notice information about Israel everywhere. It was in the news, mentioned in social media, and, most importantly, during my study of the Old Testament. I realized just how important Israel and the Jewish people are to God and His story for us. 

The 4^th Commandment

Years later, we studied Exodus 20 and the Ten Commandments in another Bible Study. One of the study questions asked how I obey the 4th commandment – to keep the Sabbath (Ex. 20:7). This created a significant struggle for myself and another person in my group. The rest had already resolved the issue, though. Their answers varied widely, from “I use paper plates on Sundays” to “I take a yearly vacation.” While none of these responses are bad in themselves, none of them seemed right. I couldn’t get it out of my head. How was one to obey this command? Could it really be just whatever I thought was best, or did God have something specific in mind? So, I did some research. In Exodus, it says to remember the Sabbath. In Deuteronomy, it says to observe it and keep it holy. Those verses seemed vague, so I looked throughout the Bible (The Sabbath is mentioned a LOT!) and found some obvious truths about the Sabbath.  

1.  God takes it very seriously. (Ex. 16:27, 20:11, 35:2 and 31:16, Numbers 15:32, and many others)
2. It’s on the seventh day of the week. (Ex. 20:10 and many others)
3. God’s people aren’t to do any work. (Ex. 20:10 and others)
4. It was established for us! (Exodus 23:12 and Mark 2:27)
5. The Sabbath is a forever covenant between God and His people. (Exodus 31:16, Leviticus 16:31, Isaiah 56:6)

So now I had even more motivation to figure out what was required by this commandment. Christian sources on the Sabbath revealed a wide variety of ideas.  

Most Christian sources suggested:

• The Sabbath has changed to Sunday, or it can be on whatever day you choose.
• We are no longer responsible for obedience to this commandment.
• Going to church on Sunday fulfills the commandment.
• We should do something relaxing on Sunday, like shopping or watching sports.
• We should spend extra time with God (reading His word and praying).
• Read Christian books.
• Try not to work on Sundays.

I also found many other ideas over an extensive range. The common understanding is that God doesn’t care how or on what day we do the Sabbath, only that we remember it and keep it holy. I struggled with the answers I got from Christian sources because they were either very weakly backed up by scripture or centered around self and not God.  

This confusion led me to research Jewish sources. Since they firmly believe that the Sabbath must be kept, I wanted to find out how they say one must keep this commandment.

The Jewish sources suggested:

• The Sabbath is on the seventh day of the week (Saturday).
• It should include a celebratory meal
• No work should be done.
• It should include the father blessing his children and wife.
• It requires preparation (Friday is Preparation Day).
• There are specific bible readings for each Sabbath.
• It includes the whole family.

There’s more to it, but these were my initial findings. I realized Jews have clear and specific ways to keep the Sabbath commandment. They do not have a broad range of days that can be called the Sabbath. They do not offer self-gratification as obedience to this command. They have been doing the same thing for thousands of years, teaching generations how to remember and observe the Sabbath. It will look the same to future Jews as well.  

But what will a Christian Sabbath look like in the next generation? And the one after that? Because Christian Sabbath traditions seem to be held so loosely, I fear that the next generations of Christians may not recognize the Sabbath at all. Since I don’t want that for my family, we adopted a Messianic Jewish Sabbath as a tradition in our home.

Establishment of the Sabbath in our home

I concluded that Sabbath observation needed to be done differently in our home, and I was determined to get started. Pregnant with my 4th child, with three children aged six and under, I attempted not to work on the Sabbath. What a joke! How on earth does a mother of small children take a day off? It seemed impossible. Again, I found myself perusing Jewish sources to figure out what women did to observe the Sabbath. What I found is that the Sabbath dictates a lot, if not all, of what a Jewish woman does throughout most of her week. Friday is known as Preparation Day because all that needs to be done over the next 48 hours (Friday morning through Sunday morning) must be completed before Friday evening when the Sabbath begins. Also, some tasks must be done before Friday to leave it free for Sabbath Prep. It wasn’t easy at first to work this into my family’s schedule, but after we figured it out, I realized that it is not only possible for a busy mother to not work on the Sabbath, but it is freeing, relaxing, and mentally cleansing for her.

Once the Sabbath became a regular practice in my home, something changed. Peace entered our family. We suddenly had time for the high priorities that were getting pushed out of our schedules due to immediate needs. We had time to study our bibles, spend free time with each other and our children, and meet with other believers to worship without having a stressful, packed day. When asked what their favorite day is, all my children say “Shabbat” (Sabbath in Hebrew). All week, I look forward to having the peace that comes on Saturday. It is not a day of stifling restrictions but peace, togetherness, and, most importantly, time with God.

Celebrating Passover

The same Bible study that yielded my restlessness with the Sabbath command brought to my attention the Passover feast command.  

• Exodus 12:14 “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.
• Exodus 12:17 And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore, you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever.
• Exodus 12:24   You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. 
• Exodus 12:26-27 And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.'”…
• Exodus 13:3 Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place.
• Exodus 13:10   You shall, therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.

God’s people were told to keep this feast as a day of remembrance – a memorial throughout generations, eternally, forever! How is it that I have grown up in the church and never even understood the feast of the Passover? How is it that, until I was an adult and sought it out on my own, I had not seen or heard of a Christian participating in a Passover Feast? What happened to eternally, forever, and throughout your generations?

Something you cannot miss when you immerse yourself in the study of the Bible is that God repeats things when they’re essential. Apparently, He knows that we tend to get distracted and skip over the things we don’t like or don’t understand in His word (we all do it), so He decided to make certain things extra clear. In addition to the six repeats of God’s command to keep the Passover Feast in Exodus, its importance is indicated throughout the rest of the Bible. All the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) recount Jesus’s participation in the Passover Feast as a child and an adult.

What followed was my fierce determination to learn more about this Passover Feast and how to incorporate it into our family traditions. What I found was surprising! Many Christians put information out for other Christians on Passover. They usually include how the elements used in a Passover Seder are relevant to Christians and point so perfectly to our Messiah!

Learning to hold a Passover Seder (Seder means “order” in Hebrew, and it is what the Passover Feast is called today) was, and continues to be, a learning process for our family. You can get an idea of how we celebrate Passover here. It changes each year as we learn more and incorporate that into our celebration. 

The rest is history (or His story!)

While realizing the importance of Israel as a nation and keeping the Sabbath and Passover started my family and I down the Hebraic path, it has in no way ended there. We also observe Sukkot, Shavuot, Chanukah, and Yom Kippur. Each family member is at varying levels of the study of the Hebrew language. We have incorporated many delicious traditional Jewish recipes into our meals and more! Our family has grown spiritually by leaps and bounds since our first steps on this path, and I look forward to where God takes us from here and the glory that it brings Him!  

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

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

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

Here are the features of the Christmas Joy box.

Ceramic Ornaments

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

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

Star of David Candle Holder

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

Bundukim Halva Coated Nuts

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

Shalvatea: Chamomile Rose Lavender

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

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

100% Natural Date Syrup

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

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

The Hineni Journal

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

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

Puzzle of the Four Cities

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

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

Vazu Flower Vase

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

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

Artza Postcards

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

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