⚡️Zealotry. Inheritance. Power.
This week’s Torah portion (Pinchas) is wild—and deeply political.
I recorded a short commentary unpacking priestly propaganda and what it means to read sacred text from the fringe.
📽️ 10 min | beard included
http://hitzonim.com/2025/07/20/priests-plagues-and-the-problem-with-zeal-pinchas-from-the-fringe/
I've loved learning and studying with you here on Hitzonim. It's been a privilege and honor to find my voice with you all as my readers. No pressure to follow me to the new place, but I would, of course, love for many of you to subscribe and join me.
http://hitzonim.com/2024/11/27/we-finished-the-whole-megillah/
If you've been on the fence about joining or missed an earlier invite, here is your chance to join! We're reading the Gospel according to John, through a Jewish lens. #Hitzonim
http://hitzonim.com/2024/10/08/day-one-of-the-study-aj-levine-on-john/
Discover the rich narrative and source-critical insights of Genesis 21 and 22, and their connection to Rosh HaShanah. Dive into the complexities of these ancient texts and their modern relevance.
Parsha Nitzavim offers profound insights into the covenantal relationship between the people of Israel and Adonai. This Parsha also highlights the historical context of monolatry, where the God of Israel is seen as supreme among other deities. #Hitzonim
http://hitzonim.com/2024/09/29/the-weight-of-the-covenant-lessons-from-parsha-nitzavim/
"Maybe you're Jewish, maybe you're Christian, maybe you're a curious reader of no particular brand of supernatural cult, if I'm doing anything worth reading here, I hope it's in a collective effort to make some meaning of the world."
The post discusses Parsha Ki Teitzei, reflecting on the tension between injustice and human dignity. It challenges traditional interpretations, emphasizing the need for introspection and pursuing true justice.
"Christianity and Judaism are different traditions from a common starting point, and I find the rootedness of emerging Christianity in Jewish tradition to enhance our understanding of the Jesus movement rather than undermine it." #Hitzonim
Follow my story from a progressive Christian family to discovering my Jewish roots, embracing historical criticism, and learning to navigate my dual identity.
#Hitzonim #Elul #JewishLife #Jewish #HighHolidays
http://hitzonim.com/2024/09/02/doing-communion-wrong-a-four-act-story-of-jewish-becoming-for-elul/
It’s Sunday Post time, and you know what that means! Gospel through a Jewish lens. Today we’ll talk about a Torah observant Pharisaic leader who disagrees with an obligation suggested by another Pharisaic group... #Hitzonim
http://hitzonim.com/2024/09/01/mark-7-analysis-jesus-interpretation-and-pharisaic-tradition/
The Sunday Post: Yes, Jesus Kept Kosher; Why it Matters
A discussion about historical criticism and the biblical literature Introduction: Going Against Conventional Wisdom “Those were probably some pretty heated conversations,” my friend Ryan and I laughed about last night seated around an outdoor fire at our friend Gabe’s house. “Ok, guys, we’re going to take this knife, and you know…” Ryan pauses for dramatic effect, I jump in, capitalizing on his rhetorical…
http://hitzonim.com/2023/08/20/the-sunday-post-yes-jesus-kept-kosher-why-it-matters/
The malleability of tradition as seen in Deuteronomy is both a testament to the adaptability of the Israelite faith and a reflection of the political and social realities of its time.
Read my commentary on Parsha Re'eh on #Hitzonim
http://hitzonim.com/2024/08/30/centralization-and-change-insights-from-parsha-reeh/
In this post, I dive deeper into John’s Gospel, exploring the term ‘Iuoudiaos’ and its historical context. I challenge some traditional views and highlight the rich Jewish literary traditions behind these texts.
No God of the Bible and no Moses, what are we to do with our covenants? I argue that our modern task is to tap into our tradition and update our covenants to serve us today.
http://hitzonim.com/2024/08/24/chemotherapy-community-and-critical-torah-insights-parsha-eikev/
Christian texts, Jewish context. Let's read the negative rhetoric of John 6, the Bread of Life Discourse, and restore the Jewish literary tradition behind it.
Links where ya find 'em!
#Hitzonim #Gospel #Christology #Judaism #SecularHumanist #Christianity
http://hitzonim.com/2024/08/18/the-fourth-gospel-a-study-in-interpretive-complexity/
"3,000 years from Moses to Sandy Koufax, you're goddamn right I'm living in the f*cking past."-Big Lebowski
Come read Parsha Vaetchanan with me. Links where ya find 'em. #Hitzonim
http://hitzonim.com/2024/08/15/pressing-the-limits-of-historical-time-parsha-vaetchanan/
