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That Time Jesus Quoted the Torah

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

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

The Torah

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

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

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

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

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

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

Jesus and the Torah

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

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

“Shema” Silver Necklace

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

The greatest commandment

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

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

Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  (Deut. 6:4-5)

He also adds the second most important commandment from Leviticus.

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

During the Sermon on the Mount

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

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

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

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

The Scriptures Bible, Softcover

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

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

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

When Tempted

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

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

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

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

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

‘He will command His angels concerning You’;

and

‘On their hands they will bear You up,

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

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

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

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

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

Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus

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

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

Havdalah: Separation Between the Holy and the Common

Written by Holy Branches on . Posted in Hebraic Roots, Sabbath. No Comments on Havdalah: Separation Between the Holy and the Common

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Blessing Over the Wine

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

In English:

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

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

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

The Blessing Over the Spices

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

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

In English:

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

(Response: Amen)

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִם

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

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

(Response: “Amen”)

The Blessing Over the Havdalah Candle

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

In English:

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

(Response: Amen)

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מְאוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

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

(Response: “Amen”)

Learn Biblical Hebrew Pack 2.0

The Blessing of Separation

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

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

In English:

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

In Hebrew:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קדֶשׁ לְחוֹל

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

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קדֶשׁ לְחוֹל

Transliteration of the Hebrew:

Holy Spirit Eilat Necklace

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

(Response: “Amen”)

The End of the Shabbat

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

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


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

Step-by-Step Guide to a Messianic Sabbath

Written by Holy Branches on . Posted in Hebraic Roots, Sabbath. 3 Comments on Step-by-Step Guide to a Messianic Sabbath

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

Shalom! I’m so glad you’ve decided to observe a traditional Messianic Sabbath evening. I hope it becomes one of your family’s most-loved traditions, as it has in mine.  

The Sabbath is not only one of the 10 Commandments; it’s a sign that we are God’s people (See Ez. 20:12, 20).  By keeping the Sabbath, we’re not only being obedient to God but also showing our faith in who He is to us through our actions.  Doing so brings glory to Him.

This guide provides a fundamental overview of a traditional Sabbath. Every family observes the Sabbath a bit differently, so feel welcome to use this as a guide and tailor it to work best for your family. Whatever you do, keep the focus on God and keep the day set apart for Him.

Click here for your printable Step-by-Step Guide to a Messianic Sabbath

Sabbath Preparation

Shabbat Sabbath Candles

Friday is commonly known as Preparation Day because this is usually the time to prepare everything so everyone can rest on the Sabbath. Cleaning, food preparation, etc., are done in advance so everyone can rest, focus on God, and spend time with family. 

Looking for make ahead and simple meals for your Sabbath? Check out 15 Meals that Bring Shalom to Your Shabbat.

Here’s an essential list of what you’ll need for a traditional Sabbath:

  • 2 candles
  • Candleholders
  • Wine or juice in 1 cup or in glasses for everyone
  • Sept-by-Step Guide Print Out (below) 
  • Meal for Friday night
  • Challah Bread (recipe here)

When Does the Sabbath Begin?

Instead of days beginning at midnight like we’re used to in our culture, days on the Hebrew calendar start at sundown. So, the Sabbath is from sundown on Friday evening until Saturday evening. 

Light the Candles

The woman of the house is usually responsible for lighting the candles and bringing in the Sabbath. Two candles are lit to signify the two commands given regarding the Sabbath—to remember it and to keep it holy.

Although not required, women traditionally cover their heads during the blessing as a symbol of humility before God. The woman covers her head with a head covering (scarf), lights the candles, and says the following blessing. 

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to be a light to the nations and Who gave to us Jesus our Messiah, the light of the world.

In Hebrew, it’s:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלֹהֵנוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָנוּ לְהִיוֹת אוֹר לְגוֹיִים וְנָתַן-לָנוּ אֶת יֵשׁוּעַ מְשִׁיחֵנוּ אוֹר הָעוֹלָם

Which is pronounced:

Ba-rook ah-tah a-do-nai eh-lo-hay-noo meh-lekh ha-o-lam ah-sher ki-deh-sha-noo be-mitz-vo-tav veh-tzee-va-noo le-hee-oat or le-go-yeem ve-na-tan-la-noo et Ye-shoo-a Me-shee-che-noo or ha-o-lam.

Pair of Olive Wood Hollow Twist Candle Holders

Blessing Over the Children

Different blessings are said over boys and girls, and the Aaronic Blessing follows both. The father usually says these blessings, although anyone can bless the children.

The blessing for the boys comes from Genesis 48:20, where Jacob said, “By you Israel will pronounce blessing, saying, ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!'”. The blessing over girls holds them high that they would become like some of the most remarkable women in the Bible


Blessing over girls:

May you be like Sara, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.

In Hebrew:

יְשִׂימֵךְ אֱלֹהיִם כְּשָׂרָה רִבְקָה רָחֵל וְלֵאָה

Pronounced:

Ye-si-mech E-lo-heem ke-Sa-rah Riv-ka Ra-chel ve-Le-ah


Blessing over boys:

May you be like Ephraim and Manessah.

In Hebrew:

יְשִׂימְךָ אֱלֹהיִם כְּאֶפְרַיְם וְכִמְנַשֶּׁה

Silver Mobius Aaronic Blessing Bangle

Pronounced:

Ye-seem-cha E-lo-heem k-Ef-raim v-chi-Me-na-shey.


The Aaronic Blessing

From Numbers 6:24-26, this is the blessing God gave to Moses to have his sons bless the Israelites with.

May God bless you and protect you.

May God show you favor and be gracious to you.

May God show you kindness and grant you peace.

In Hebrew:

יְבָרֶכְךָ יהוה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ יָאֵר יהוה פָּנָיו  אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ יִשָּׂא יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם

Which is pronounced:

Ye-va-re-che-cha A-do-nai v-yee-sh-me-re-cha

Ya-er A-do-nai pa-nav eh-le-cha vi-chu-ne-ka

Yee-sa A-do-nai pa-nav eh-le-cha v-ya-sem le-cha sha-lom


The Eschet Chayil (Blessing over the Wife)

The Blessing over the Wife comes from Proverbs 31, verses 10-31. Interestingly enough, this blessing is also said over women who are not married. This blessing shows appreciation for wives and all women for all they do to hold homes and communities together! The husband usually says it, and it is as follows.

“A Woman who honors the LORD” Mobius Necklace

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.

She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.

She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.

She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.

She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies belts to the tradesmen.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying

“Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.”

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Here it is in Hebrew:

אֵשֶׁת חַֽיִל מִי יִמְצָא, וְרָחֹק מִפְּנִינִים מִכְרָהּ.
בָּֽטַח בָּהּ לֵב בַּעְלָהּ, וְשָׁלָל לֹא יֶחְסָר.
גְּמָלַֽתְהוּ טוֹב וְלֹא רָע, כֹּל יְמֵי חַיֶּיהָ.
דָּרְשָֽׁה צֶמֶר וּפִשְׁתִּים, וַתַּֽעַשׂ בְּחֵפֶץ כַּפֶּיהָ.
הָיְתָה כָּאֳנִיּוֹת סוֹחֵר, מִמֶּרְחָק תָּבִיא לַחְמָהּ.
וַתָּקָם בְּעוֹד לַיְלָה, וַתִּתֵּן טֶרֶף לְבֵיתָהּ וְחֹק לְנַעֲרֹתֶיהָ.
זָמְמָה שָׂדֶה וַתִּקָּחֵהוּ, מִפְּרִי כַפֶּיהָ נָטְעָה כָּֽרֶם.
חָגְרָה בְעוֹז מָתְנֶיהָ, וַתְּאַמֵּץ זְרוֹעֹתֶיהָ.
טָֽעֲמָה כִּי טוֹב סַחְרָהּ, לֹא יִכְבֶּה בַלַּֽיְלָה נֵרָהּ.
יָדֶיהָ שִׁלְּחָה בַכִּישׁוֹר, וְכַפֶּיהָ תָּֽמְכוּ פָֽלֶך.
כַּפָּהּ פָּרְשָֹה לֶעָנִי, וְיָדֶיהָ שִׁלְּחָה לָאֶבְיוֹן.
לֹא תִירָא לְבֵיתָהּ מִשָּֽׁלֶג, כִּי כָל־בֵּיתָהּ לָבֻשׁ שָׁנִים.
מַרְבַדִּים עָשׂתָה־לָּהּ, שֵׁשׁ וְאַרְגָּמָן לְבוּשָׁהּ.
נוֹדָע בַּשְּׁעָרִים בַּעְלָהּ, בְּשִׁבְתּוֹ עִם זִקְנֵי־אָרֶץ.
סָדִין עָשׂתָה וַתִּמְכֹּר, וַחֲגוֹר נָתְנָה לַכְּנַעֲנִי.
עוֹז וְהָדָר לְבוּשָׁהּ, וַתִּשׂחַק לְיוֹם אַחֲרוֹן.
פִּֽיהָ פָּתְחָה בְחָכְמָה, וְתֽוֹרַת חֶֽסֶד עַל לְשׁוֹנָהּ:
צוֹפִיָּה הֲלִיכוֹת בֵּיתָהּ, וְלֶֽחֶם עַצְלוּת לֹא תֹאכֵל:
קָמוּ בָנֶֽיהָ וַיְּאַשְּׁרֽוּהָ, בַּעְלָהּ וַיְהַלְלָהּ:
רַבּוֹת בָּנוֹת עָֽשׂוּ חָֽיִל, וְאַתְּ עָלִית עַל כֻּלָּנָה:
שֶֽׁקֶר הַחֵן וְהֶֽבֶל הַיֹּֽפִי, אִשָּׁה יִרְאַת ה׳ הִיא תִתְהַלָּל:
תְּנוּ לָהּ מִפְּרִי יָדֶֽיהָ, וִיהַלְלֽוּהָ בַשְּׁעָרִים מַעֲשֽׂיהָ:

Our Family Shabbat Siddur

And here’s the pronunciation for the Hebrew:

E-shet Cha-yeel mi yeem-tza, ve-ra-chok meep-nee-neem meech-rah. 
Ba-tach bah lev ba-a-lah, ve-sha-lal lo yech-sar. Ge-mal-at-hu tov ve-lo ra kol ye-mei cha-ye-ha. 
Dar-sha tse-mer u-feesh-teem, va-ta-as be-che-fetz ka-pe-ha. 
Hay-tah ka-o-nee-yot so-cher, mee-mer-chak ta-vi lach-ma. 
Va-ta-kom be-od lai-lah, Ve-tee-ten te-ref le-vey-tah ve-chok le-na-a-ro-te-ha. 
Zam-mah sa-deh ve-ti-ka-che-hu, meep-ree kha-pe-ha nat-ah ka-rem. 
Chag-rah ve-oz mot-ne-ha, vat-a-metz z-ro-ote-ha. 
Ta-a-ma ki tov sach-rah, lo yich-be va-lay-lah ne-rah. 
Ya-de-ha sheel-cha va-kee-shor, ve-kha-pe-ha tam-chu pha-lech. 
Ka-pah par-sah le-ani, ve-ya-de-hah sheel-cha la-ev-yon. 
Lo tee-ra le-vei-tah mee-sha-leg, ki khol bei-tah la-vush sha-neem. 
Mar-va-deem as-tah lah, shesh ve-ar-ga-man le-vu-shah. 
No-dah bash-ar-eem ba-lah, be-shiv-to eem zik-nei ar-etz. 
Sa-deen as-tah va-teem-kor, va-cha-gor nat-nah lak-na-ani. 
Oz ve-ha-dar le-vu-shah, va-tees-chak le-yom eh-cha-ron. 
Pee-ha pat-cha ve-chach-mah, ve-to-rat che-sed al le-sho-nah. 
Tso-fee-ya hal-ee-chot bei-ta, ve-le-chem atz-lut lo toe-chel. 
Ka-mu va-ne-ha vay-ash-ru-hah, ba-a-lah vay-hal-lah. 
Ra-bot ba-not a-su cha-yil, ve-at a-leet al ku-la-nah. 
She-ker ha-chen ve-he-vel ha-yo-fee, ee-shah yir-at a-do-nai hi teet-ha-lal. 
Te-nu lah mip-ri ya-de-ha, vee-hal-lu-ha bash-a-reem ma-a-se-ha.


The Kiddush

The Kiddush reminds us why we’re doing what we’re doing. It incorporates verses from Genesis that discuss the Sabbath, as well as a blessing over the wine and thanking God for choosing and sanctifying the nation of Israel. The man of the house traditionally says it.

The person saying the Kiddush holds the cup of wine up while reciting it. After the Kiddush is said, each participant can either take a drink from a single Kiddush cup or their own wine/juice glasses.  

And it was evening and it was morning, the sixth day. And the heavens and the earth and all their hosts were completed. And God finished by the Seventh Day His work which He had done, and He rested on the Seventh Day from all His work which He had done. And God blessed the Seventh Day and made it holy, for on it He rested from all His work which God created to function.

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

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has hallowed us with His commandments, has desired us, and has given us, in love and goodwill, His holy Shabbat as a heritage, in remembrance of the work of Creation; the first of the holy festivals, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. For You have chosen us and sanctified us from among all the nations, and with love and goodwill given us Your holy Shabbat as a heritage. Blessed are You Lord, who hallows the Shabbat. (Response: Amen)

In Hebrew:

וַיְהִי עֶרֶב וַיְהִי בֹקֶר
יוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי. וַיְכֻלּוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם וְהָאָרֶץ וְכָל צְבָאָם
וַיְכַל אֱלֹהִים בַּיּום הַשְּׁבִיעִי מְלַאכְתּו אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה. וַיִּשְׁבּת בַּיּום הַשְּׁבִיעִי מִכָּל מְלַאכְתּו אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה
וַיְבָרֶךְ אֱלֹהִים אֶת יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי וַיְקַדֵּשׁ אֹתוֹ. כִּי בוֹ שָׁבַת מִכָּל מְלַאכְתּו אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים לַעֲשׂות

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱֹלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְרָצָה בָנוּ וְשַׁבַּת קָדְשׁוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן הִנְחִילָנוּ זִכָּרוֹן לְמַעֲשֵׂה בְרֵאשִׁית. כִּי הוּא יוֹם תְּחִלָּה לְמִקְרָאֵי קֹדֶשׁ זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָיִם. כִּי בָנוּ בָחַרְתָּ וְאוֹתָנוּ קִדַּשְׁתָּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים וְשַׁבַּת קָדְשְׁךָ בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן הִנְחַלְתָּנוּ
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת

Kiddush Cup and Tray – Ceramic Wine Kiddush Cup and Tray 3.5″ For Shabbat and Havdalah

Which is pronounced:

Va-ye-hee erev, va-ye-hee voker. Yom Ha-shishi. Va-ye-chulu hasha-mayim vi-ha-aretz vi-kole tzi-va-am. Va-yichal Elohim ba-yom hashe-vi’i milach-to asher asa. Va-yish-bat ba-yom hashe-vi’I mi-kole milach-to asher asa. Va-ye-varech Elohim es yom hashe-vi’i va-yi-kadesh oto. Kee voe sha-vat mi-kole milach-toe asher bara Elohim la-a-sot.

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

Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu me-lech ha-olam, asher ki-di-sha-nu be-mitz-votav vi-ratza vanu, vi-Shab-bat kod-sho be-a-ha-va uv-ra-tzon hin-chi-la-nu, zi-ka-ron le-ma-a-seh ve-re-sheet. Ki hu yom ti-chi-la le-mik-ra-ay ko-desh, zay-cher li-tzi-as mitz-rayim. Ki va-nu va-char-ta ve-o-ta-nu ki-dash-ta mi-kol ha-a-mim. Vi-shab-bat kod-shi-cha bi-a-ha-va uv-ra-tzon hin-chal-ta-nu. Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, mi-ka-desh ha-shab-bat. (Response: “Amen”)


The Hamotzi

The Hamotzi is the blessing over the bread. We usually sing it together, and one person holds the challah, plate and all, up while we sing. After the Hamotzi, the bread is set down to be eaten later. It’s often eaten by tearing pieces off and dipping them in the wine or juice. 

Here’s the traditional tune:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

In Hebrew, it’s:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱ‑לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ

To pronounce:

Ba-rook ah-tah a-do-nai eh-lo-hay-noo meh-lekh ha-o-lam ha-mo-tzi le-chem meen ha-aretz.

Challah Board with Etched Flower Design Shabbat Bread Board


Sabbath Meal

After that, enjoy your meal together and have a restful Sabbath! If you’re looking for ideas for what to do with the rest of your Sabbath day, read What DO We Do on the Sabbath.

Click here for your printable Step-by-Step Guide to a Messianic Sabbath

As the common Sabbath greeting goes, wishing a peaceful Sabbath, Shabbat Shalom!

Parashōt, The Original Bible Study!

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

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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.”  

The Scriptures Bible, Duotone Tan

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 . Posted in Recipes, Sabbath. 7 Comments on Challah Bread Recipe

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

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!

Is the Sabbath Really THAT Important to God?

Written by Holy Branches on . Posted in Sabbath, Traditions. 8 Comments on Is the Sabbath Really THAT Important to God?

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Does God really care that much whether we keep the Sabbath? What difference does taking a day off work make? Couldn’t we take a vacation for rest or worship Him at any convenient time?

A basic rule of Bible study is to pay special attention to the things God repeats in His Word. The concept of the Sabbath is repeated numerous times, beginning at the very beginning when God rested after the creation of our universe. Sabbath keeping is worded as a command 27 times, and there are many other places where it is discussed further. It’s not only one of the Ten Commandments; God also calls it a sign of the covenant between Him and His people forever!

I want to point out that I know the subject of the Sabbath creates some division among Christians. There are Godly Christ-followers on both sides of the Sabbath conversation, and many have strong feelings about it. I’ll present here the conclusion my family has reached in our pursuit of God’s will in our lives, and I hope these words will fall on open ears and hearts, no matter your beliefs on the issue. Like every other aspect of the life of a believer, we must take our questions to God and His Word and use our discernment through the Holy Spirit to decide what we do and do not do.

The Command

 “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” 

Ex. 20:8 (NASB)

That one’s pretty simple.  Remember it and keep it holy.  Got it.  Then it gets more serious.

Therefore you are to observe the sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people.

Ex. 31:14-15 (NASB)

“For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a sabbath of complete rest to the Lord; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.

Ex. 35:2 (NASB)

While we don’t put those who ignore the Sabbath to death, these verses make it obvious how God feels about it. Besides being commanded by God, violating the Sabbath carried a stiff punishment in Old Testament times.

Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Hardcover, Red Letter, NIV

Looking at what God says about the Sabbath through His prophet Ezekiel (Ez. 20-23) is even more sobering. He considered wiping out the entire nation of Israel for profaning the Sabbath and rejecting God’s other ordinances. Yikes!

But why does He care so much? Why does my taking a day off of work – or not – make any difference to God? 

The Sign of the Covenant

The Sabbath isn’t just a day of rest.  It’s a sign that we belong to God.  

I gave them My sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.

Ez 20:12 (NASB)

Sanctify My sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.’

Ez. 20:20 (NASB)

God created all people, and many claim to belong to Him, but He clarifies in His Word that keeping the Sabbath is the sign that we acknowledge that He’s our God and we’re His people.

I’ve heard baptism metaphorically explained like a wedding ring. Accepting Jesus as your Savior seals your place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Baptism is your outward expression of that decision to the world, just as the wedding is what makes you married, but the ring is how you show that decision to the public.

The Sabbath is much the same. When we accept Jesus, we belong to God. He is our God, and we are His people. Keeping the Sabbath is the external signal to God, the world, and ourselves that we’ve made that decision. Ignoring the Sabbath is like keeping our relationship with God a secret. We may indeed be His people, but we’re unwilling to expose that to the public in the action of observing the Sabbath.

I want to make this part very clear. Keeping the Sabbath doesn’t save us! Belief in Jesus as the only sacrifice for our sin does (Rom. 10:9-10). However, when we fail to keep the Sabbath, we give up the opportunity to show God and those around us who we belong to. That’s why it’s so serious.

 Didn’t Jesus Work on the Sabbath?

Jesus and his disciples gathered grain on the Sabbath as they traveled. While this was permitted by law, the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus since he did it on the Sabbath. But gathering grain wasn’t against any biblical command concerning the Sabbath. Not gathering grain was a Rabbinical addition to God’s command. When asked about this, Jesus didn’t say, “I’m here now, so the Sabbath is no longer relevant.” Although this would have been the perfect time to point out that we no longer needed to keep the Sabbath, he instead tried to teach them what God says about mercy (Matt. 12:1-8).

Did Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection Nullify the Sabbath?

Nowhere in his recorded words does Jesus say to stop keeping the Sabbath – before or after his resurrection. In fact, Jesus says that he came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17). He clarified that the Law isn’t gone because of his arrival on Earth or his work on the cross. He’s the Messiah, the one who kept every one of the commands in the Torah – The Holy Days, the 10 Commandments, eating a Kosher diet, Keeping the Sabbath, all of it. We could say he just did those things because he was born of Jewish heritage, but remember that it was his perfect keeping of these “Jewish” laws that made him the only one on Earth throughout history that qualified as a sacrifice for the sin of all. Let that sink in.  

The Sabbath is Forever

If the Sabbath was meant to be temporary, why didn’t God say that? Sabbath-keeping was such a big deal in both the Old Testament and among the Messianic Jews who made up the early church; why didn’t God clarify that it was no longer necessary?

Exodus 31:16, Leviticus 16:31, and 24:8 all say that the Sabbath is permanent. It doesn’t say that it will be abolished when the Messiah comes or that it’s only necessary during the wandering in the desert or while the Temple is standing. It’s forever—throughout all generations of God’s people.

The Sabbath Isn’t Just for Jewish People

Azurite Messianic Christian Necklace

The Ten Commandments, including the fourth—the one about the Sabbath—were given to the Hebrew people, later called the people of Israel. In other places, such as Isaiah 56, it was stated that foreigners would receive blessings from keeping the commands of God—the Sabbath and others. Exodus 20:10 says that even a sojourner staying with a Hebrew should observe the Sabbath with the rest of the household.

Unless you’re Jewish by heritage, you’re a Gentile and cannot change that by obeying the commands God gave to Israel. However, the apostle Paul lays out how we’re grafted in to the promises God gave Israel through our faith in Jesus. It’s important to realize that, because of this, the promises, commands, and blessings God gave to Israel are now extended to us as well.

For All God’s Creation

The Sabbath is not only for people everywhere but also for other parts of God’s creation. He commands that the land and livestock should also have a Sabbath. Many places say this, and here are a couple.

but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.

Ex. 20:10 (NASB)

but during the seventh year the land shall have a sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard.

Lev. 25:4 (NASB)

We all know why it’s essential for humans and even animals to rest, but God also sees benefit in the land itself taking a break from its job of producing.

But it’s not just creation that takes a Sabbath. We can look back at Genesis to remind us that even the Creator Himself took a Sabbath after His miraculous creation work. Chapter 2 tells us that that’s when He blessed the day, making it holy, as only God can do.

What Should We Do?

Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus

You may be feeling awkward right now if you learned something new about the Sabbath or have recently been convicted of not keeping it God’s way like I was. Don’t throw in the towel, though. Just because those around you don’t keep the Sabbath or think it’s optional or unimportant to God doesn’t mean you have to follow their path. Even if you’ve never kept the Sabbath, here are a few things to set you on your way to a peaceful and God-pleasing one.

Consult God.

While we know this should be where we start in any step we take in our faith walk, we sometimes forget it. Ask God what He wants for you and your family regarding the Sabbath. Be ready to hear His answer, even if it may not be what you were expecting. Dig into His Word to see what He has to say about the Sabbath, and ask Him to show you what that should look like in your life.

Get started.  

When our family got serious about Sabbath-keeping, it wasn’t easy at first! We had to restructure our whole week to incorporate the Sabbath, and it took a few years to get it right. We’re not perfect at it now, but we regularly have holy, peaceful Sabbaths and continue to learn and grow more toward that each week.

Here’s what my family does on the Sabbath to give you ideas of where to start. Don’t strive toward your expectation of what a Sabbath should look like. Instead, make it a day to grow closer to God, your family, and others. Continually learn and grow in the direction God takes you.  

Embrace tradition.

Our family finds it most beneficial to observe a traditional Jewish-type Sabbath. While this may not work for all families, it has given us the focus, discipline, and other tools we needed to make Sabbath-keeping a tradition in our home. Learning about and employing one Sabbath tradition at a time may help everyone adjust.

Prepare.

Keeping the Sabbath doesn’t work well without this one—trust me—I’ve tried! Make a list of things that need to be done ahead of time to ensure the Sabbath is as work-free as possible. Organize that list according to when each item can be done and spread the work over the days of the week. Planning this way will prevent you from trying to squish a week’s worth of chores and cooking into your Friday afternoon, causing you to arrive at the Sabbath worn out and stressed.

Enter His Gates: To Your Jewish Roots

The Bible clearly shows that the Sabbath is essential to God and should be to us. Just that should cause us to take our Sabbaths seriously and remember them as God told us to. But Jesus also pointed out that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath (Mk. 2:27). While we do it to show that we belong to God, we also keep the Sabbath because we know we’re all in desperate need of some quality rest – both the kind you get from taking a day off of work and the perfect and eternal peace we can only find in our Savior.

If you’d like further information on how to observe the Sabbath in your Christian home, this book is just what you need. Susan Marcus explains Jewish Roots simply yet practically in Enter His Gates. I’ve used it a lot, especially as a Sabbath newbie, and I think you’ll also find it beneficial!

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

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

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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 . Posted in Recipes, Sabbath. 6 Comments on 15 Meals that Bring Shalom to Your Shabbat

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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!

Why I Embrace My Hebraic Roots

Written by Holy Branches on . Posted in Hebraic Roots. 5 Comments on Why I Embrace My Hebraic Roots

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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 4th Commandment

The Scriptures Bible, Softcover

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.

Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg

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.
By Divine Appointment: Celebrating the Feasts of the Lord and the Feasts of Israel by Dr. Noreen Jacks

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!

Enter His Gates: To Your Jewish Roots by Susan Marcus

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!