What does shalom mean in Hebrew? In the Bible, shalom does not describe the absence of something (such as war or anxiety), but rather the presence of something. It’s a state of wholeness, harmony, and divine order. Shalom is what happens when everything is functioning according to God’s design.
Why does the jewishness of Jesus matter for every believer? He prayed in Hebrew, celebrated the feasts of Israel, taught in the synagogue, and lived in covenant faithfulness as a son of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At Fusion Global, we believe this truth changes everything. It helps us connect the Old and the New, it grounds our faith in God’s unshakable promises, and it reminds us not to settle for half an inheritance. But why does this matter for followers of Jesus/Yeshua today?
Israel. A single word with so many potential meanings. A name for a patriarch. A people. An ancient kingdom. A modern nation. The name/word first appears in the Bible in Genesis 32:28-29,
The answer to why millions journey to place handwritten prayers in the crevices of ancient stone. What makes the Western Wall—what remains of the Second Temple—such a powerful place of connection with the Divine? From Eden to the Temple Mount to the New Jerusalem, God has always marked sacred space for His people. In this article, Rabbi Jason Sobel unpacks the holiness of physical space in Scripture and history, revealing why the Western Wall continues to be a profound point of prayer, presence, and prophetic promise.
If you are currently scratching your head wondering how it is possible that fruits and vegetables could not be considered kosher, this article is for you. The Hebrew word “kosher” comes from the root כשר KaSheR. It means to be proper or suitable.
The Historical Divide Between Judaism and Christianity
For millions of people, there is a presumed divide between Judaism and Christianity. Sure, they are both monotheistic and trace their origins back to Abraham, but many assume these groups have little else in common. There has also been a significant amount of hostility between the adherents of these two religions, from the ugly history of “Christian” antisemitism to the relatively minor angst many Jews express in the face of Christian evangelism (aka “proselytizing”). These realities spark a provocative question:
Are Christians worshiping the “Messiah” promised to the Jewish people?
The Historical Divide Between Judaism and Christianity
For millions of people, there is a presumed divide between Judaism and Christianity. Sure, they are both monotheistic and trace their origins back to Abraham, but many assume these groups have little else in common. There has also been a significant amount of hostility between the adherents of these two religions, from the ugly history of “Christian” antisemitism to the relatively minor angst many Jews express in the face of Christian evangelism (aka “proselytizing”). These realities spark a provocative question:
Are Christians worshiping the “Messiah” promised to the Jewish people?
The Historical Divide Between Judaism and Christianity
For millions of people, there is a presumed divide between Judaism and Christianity. Sure, they are both monotheistic and trace their origins back to Abraham, but many assume these groups have little else in common. There has also been a significant amount of hostility between the adherents of these two religions, from the ugly history of “Christian” antisemitism to the relatively minor angst many Jews express in the face of Christian evangelism (aka “proselytizing”). These realities spark a provocative question:
Are Christians worshiping the “Messiah” promised to the Jewish people?
Amidst the narratives of history and the papyrus of prophecy, a singular thread weaves through the tapestry of biblical literature: the concept of a Messiah. This notion, richly veiled in expectation and divine mystery, has captivated the hearts of the faithful and stirred the minds of scholars. The title “Messiah,” derived from the Hebrew word “mashiach,” meaning “anointed,” was an honor bestowed upon kings and priests—a symbol of one chosen by God to lead with divine authority.
By observing Rosh Chodesh, we “invite” God into the entire month and make Him Lord over all “our” time. The observance of Rosh Chodesh starts with, “This month will mark the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year for you” (Exodus 12:2). In response to this text, the Midrash notes, “‘For You’, God said to Israel, ‘Until now, the sanctification of months was in My hands, from now on it is given to you.’” The first and critical part of Rosh Chodesh observance is the sanctification of the month. As a general principle, sanctification or holiness means “set apart,” and in biblical thought, set apart to God.
