Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Speaking of being naked …

Speaking of being naked …
There is a rabbinic story from the middle ages that talks about a young Jewish disciple’s observation of the monastic movement. He sees the monks going off into a solitary, ascetic life to know God better. In his own pursuit of God, he asks his rabbi about this practice and perhaps if he should commit…
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Shelter in the Storm

Shelter in the Storm
 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice. Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm. Isaiah 32:1-2 Each will be a shelter, a hiding place. Princes (and princesses!) take the lead of their ruler. They represent Him and fulfill His plan. We will…
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Emunah Faith

Emunah Faith
Abram’s faith was reckoned as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 What was it about Abraham’s faith that God called him righteous? The word we translate as faith here is emunah. Abraham had emunah. Faith is often referring to what we believe. Emunah, though, is a word that connotes a visceral conviction. It is an active trust and…
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Prayer Closet

Prayer Closet
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. Matthew 6:6 These words of Jesus have encouraged the tradition of a quiet time, the idea of a dedicated space, and even a recent movie. The prayer closet of the Bible was likely not…
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