At the heart of our faith lies an orchard, a place of deep contemplation and spiritual nourishment.

This orchard, known in Hebrew as PaRDeS—a Persian loanword meaning "walled garden" or "park"—serves as a gateway to exploring the boundless wisdom of the Bible.
 
But how do we navigate this orchard to uncover its rich fruits?

PaRDeS represents an acronym that unveils the layered depths of the Bible:

• Peshat (the simple, direct meaning),
• Remez (hints of more profound significance),
• Drash (interpretive stories and lessons), and
• Sod (the mystical, hidden messages).

Far from mere academic exercises, these layers are the methods employed by Jesus, His disciples, and the early church leaders to engage with Scripture.

On this journey through God's orchard, we'll see the Bible's beauty and wisdom and learn key principles to understand its profound teachings.

Our exploration features a remarkable example from the Gospel of John, where a Remez weaves Abraham's narrative with John's revelations about God and His one and only Son. This simple "hint" brings forward the rich meaning of the story of Abraham and Isaac into that of God the Father and Jesus.

Join us on this enlightening adventure to pick and relish the nutritious fruits of the Bible. 

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In today's lesson, we dive into the ancient and enduring methods used by both Judaism and Christianity to interpret the sacred texts of the Bible.

Throughout history, scholars and spiritual leaders have recognized that Scripture offers layers of meaning that can only be unlocked through diverse approaches to interpretation.

In this video, we introduce the four levels of interpretation, revealing how each layer offers unique insights into the divine messages contained within the Bible.

The tradition of examining scripture across these four levels has been a cornerstone in the spiritual teachings of both faiths, aiming to enrich the congregation's understanding of God, Christ, and the Bible. Every level is a step on the spiritual ladder, drawing us closer to the divine from the literal to the mystical.

However, the challenge of interpretation is evident. Not all scripture can or should be taken at face value, especially regarding narratives, the poetry of the Psalms, or the prophetic imagery. A literal interpretation can sometimes obscure the deeper truths that guide us in our spiritual journey. This is particularly true for parables, which are not mere stories but profound lessons wrapped in fiction designed to reveal hidden truths about God's kingdom.

At the heart of our exploration today is the mystical or anagogical level of interpretation, derived from the Greek word 'Anagoge,' meaning to ascend or climb. This level invites us to engage with scripture on a spiritual plane, where our soul strives for a mystical union with our divine Bridegroom.

Join us as we explore the significance of reading Biblical stories through each of these levels, understanding that it's not just about intellectual knowledge but about allowing our spirits to be drawn ever closer to God.

This lesson is not just an academic exercise; it's a spiritual journey aimed at deepening our connection with the divine through the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity.
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Whether you're seeking to deepen your understanding of scripture or looking for ways to enhance your spiritual practice, this video will offer valuable insights into the multifaceted ways of engaging with the Bible. 

Lesson Handout: