In the Bible, God described the Holy Land, the home promised to Abraham and his descendants, as “A Land of Milk and Honey.” This is certainly poetic, but a melodic characterization does not serve the spiritual purposes of the document. We are searching for meaning and symbolism here. Considering God repeatedly used this phrase toContinue reading “A LAND OF MILK AND HONEY”
Tag Archives: spirituality
THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are considered the forefathers of the Jewish People. Normally, when the term “forefathers” is used, it connotes genetic ancestors. But, in this instance, the true significance is that they were also the spiritual ancestors of the Jews. Many Jews are not descended from them, but follow their teachings and ideals. AbrahamContinue reading “THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC”
FREEDOM AND PASSOVER
The holiday of Passover is about freedom. The Israeli slaves were freed from their bondage. The purpose of this redemption was to allow and encourage freedom of choice to do the right thing. The “right thing” meant that they would follow God. The Bible describes the event as God taking the Children of Israel outContinue reading “FREEDOM AND PASSOVER”
JACOB WRESTLES WITH SOMEONE
In the Book of Exodus, Parashah Vayishlach 32:25 the story of Jacob continues after his long absence from the Holy Land. Jacob returns to Canaan with his wives and children. He brings with him his accumulated wealth and many servants. But he is afraid of his brother Esau, whom he had deceived in order toContinue reading “JACOB WRESTLES WITH SOMEONE”
I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO TOOK YOU OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT
The Children of Israel, Jacob’s family, came to Egypt and lived there to cope with a famine. They dwelled in the Land of Goshen and expanded with great fecundity. The Torah tells us these people were enslaved by Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. hundreds of years later, supported by God’s interventions, they escaped from theirContinue reading “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO TOOK YOU OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT”
PRAYER: PETITION OR MEDITATION?
In the minds of many, prayer is often a request. The supplicant desires good health, a favorable outcome, success, financial security, peace on earth, or another in a litany of human desires. Some sublime, like equality and prosperity for all. Some not so elevated, like bad fortune for an enemy. Different people make contradicting requests,Continue reading “PRAYER: PETITION OR MEDITATION?”
YOU WILL FEAR THE LORD
“These are the commandments I give you this day, you will fear the Lord.” In the fifth book of the Torah, the people are given this message. What does it mean to ‘Fear the Lord”? are we supposed to obey a deity – or anyone else – that we are afraid of? How can weContinue reading “YOU WILL FEAR THE LORD”
YOU WILL FEAR THE LORD
“These are the commandments I give you this day, you will fear the Lord.” In the fifth book of the Torah, the people are given this message. What does it mean to ‘Fear the Lord”? Are we supposed to obey a deity – or anyone else – that we are afraid of? How can weContinue reading “YOU WILL FEAR THE LORD”
YOU WILL LOVE THE LORD
In the Torah, in the Book of Devarim, Chapter 6: Verse 5, we are commanded as follows: “You wall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” Every word in this sentence has many interpretations. The entire sentence has multiple meanings. The word “love” hasContinue reading “YOU WILL LOVE THE LORD”
RECEIVING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
God revealed the entire Torah, not just the 10 Commandments, at Mt. Sinai. This was bequeathed to not just one group of people. Revelation was a gift intended for the entire world. Section (Parashah) Yitro (named for Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law) in the Book of Exodus is where this ultimate spiritual event is described in theContinue reading “RECEIVING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS”
Health and Spirit by Dr. Jack Zoldan 