DISCOVER THE HEART OF HEBRAIC WISDOM
The Energy Self -Revelation
Exodus 34:6-7 סֶפֶר שְׁמוֹת פֶרֶק לד:ו-ז
The Present One, the Eternal One, a compassionate and gracious God, very patient, and abounding in steadfast lovingkindness, and constantly extending steadfast lovingkindness to thousands (of generations), forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin, and who then acquits and sets free! Shemot/Exodus 34:6-7.
WELCOME
Join us on a dynamic journey as we explore the Hebraic Perspective within the verses of the Bible we study. Together, we'll uncover deeper meanings and insights that enrich our understanding of scripture. Let's embark on this enlightening adventure and deepen our connection to these timeless texts.
Purpose Statement - Institute for a Hebraic Perspective
The Institute for a Hebraic Perspective has developed a statement of methodology rather than one of orthodoxy or orthopraxy. We are striving towards a Hebraic Perspective; it is a dynamic journey.
The objective of the Institute is to creatively bring people into a life journey of a Hebraic Perspective. The Institute is focused on examining the Bible with a Hebraic framework. We understand this as being different from the usual western paradigm which we label 'the Other-Culture' in contrast to the Hebraic Perspective. From this standpoint, the Bible needs to be de-constructed from the other culture. Abraham and Sarah are examples, symbols, and leaders for us in this cross-cultural trek, as they were the first to leave the Other Culture and embrace a Hebraic Perspective. They were boundary breakers. We immerse ourselves in the Mikra-Hebrew Bible, and its message as a foundation for understanding Judaism and Christianity from which a Hebraic Perspective emerges. We focus on the early years of Christianity, understanding it within a Jewish matrix.
In our classes we embrace Rabbinics-the Teaching of the Sages, seeking a unique, organic, and wholistic approach. To enter a Hebraic Perspective is a cultural experience that moves us from static to dynamic, from linear to interconnected, from defined simplicity to complex multiplicity, from a dichotomy of upper story-heavenly and lower story-earthly to a composite unity, from an intellectual, factual approach to hegeing-purposeful chanting, thus embracing a new awareness through a Hebraic Perspective.
Our objective of facilitating people's entry into a life jopurney of a Hebraic Perspective is reached through many avenues which are ever-changing and expanding. We meet in small class-discussion groups, draw on the canonical materials of nascent Christianity and Judaism, to sculpt more effective relationships with people and with God: encouraging the development of an Awe of God, and a higher view of people being created in the image of God. We foster open, trusting and caring relationships with God and one another through discussion rather than dogma. Pursuing a dynamic Hebraic Perspective, we encourage hegeing, with a focus on the 13 Middot-attributes of God in Exodus 34:6-7 as an epicenter. We teach multiplicity within the Mikra, to further an understanding within both Judaism and nascent Christianity. The Institute for a Hebraic Perspective welcomes anyone who has the discipline and motivation to enter a lifestyle of worship through study and discussion.
Introductory Hebrew class
Welcome to our Hebrew class, where we'll embark on a fascinating journey into the Hebrew alphabet and the rich cultural world it represents. This course aims to introduce you to both the pronunciation and vowel points of the alphabet, offering a unique cross-cultural experience. We will delve into a Hebraic perspective, exploring thought patterns and worldviews that may differ from a Western understanding of the Bible. Each session will focus on a specific verse, allowing you to learn the alphabet inductively while uncovering the deeper cultural nuances of the Biblical text. Join us as we discover the beauty of Hebrew and its significance in understanding Scripture!
Many who study their Bible realize that in order to get to the next level, it is necessary to learn some Hebrew. This hebrew class has two objectives. First, an introduction to the Hebrew alphabet, learning pronunciation and the vowel points. For us westerners the Hebrew alphabet is a cross cultural experience within itself. Secondly, an introduction to a Hebraic Perspective, that is, entering the Hebraic cultural world with its thought patterns and intriguing world view.
Most introudctions to Biblical Hebrew focus only on the details of the language: morphology, grammar and syntax, some of which will be covered. but this unique class will be inductive, learning the alphabet from a verse and learning about a Hebraic Perspective in the process. Each time we will focus on a specific verse, learning the alphabet and discovering a Hebraic Perspectve in the process, the Biblical world of Hebrew.
Recognizing that to most of us the Bible has been presented as a western book, missing the cultural nuances that support its relevance, this class will re-frame the Bible as a Hebraic book with different thought patterns that will be discovered while learning the language. The benefits of immersing oneself in biblical Hebrew will be encountered in this small group since enrollment is limited.
The Introductory Hebrew class meets on Tuesday evenings for 3 months.
Cost: $150 fee is collected on the third class. A limited number of scholarships may be available.
Mussar Practice
The Energy Self-Revelation: Shemot (Exodus) 34:6-7 as Mussar Practice
If you are intrigued by the possibility of change, morphing into or towards a better and fuller self, moving towards creating a beautiful world around, cultivating deeper community and connection with a culture that is overflowing with meaning and God's presence and energy, then this journey and cohort is for you. No prior experience necessary.
Through Mussar, a Jewish discipline through which individuals seek imitatio Dei to develop and grow spiritually with support from others, this cohort will explore and reflect on Shemot (Exodus) 34:6-7, the section of Torah which describes the 13 Middot, attributes of God, which we recite throughout Yom Kippur. This 8-week series will include an introduction to the material and 7 weeks each focusing on a different attribute. Practice will include weekly class sessions, as well as daily individual practice and a weekly reflection (individually scheduled) with a hevruta (study partner) from the cohort.
Times: Thursdays 6:30pm-7:30pm
Dates: 10/23-12/18; No class 11/27
About David Wharton
David proudly received his Doctor of Science in Jewish Studies degree from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago, Illinois, on May 4, 2025. Surrounded by family in person and friends virtually, it was a moment of celebration and achievement. This milestone reflects his dedication and passion for Jewish studies, marking a significant step in his academic journey.
David brings a unique perspective and deep insight to his students at the Institute for a Hebraic Perspective. With studies at renowned institutions as Multnomah School of the Bible and Hebrew University in Jerusalem, along with rich experiences living in Israel and traveling through various countries, he has become a dynamic teacher. His passion for Israel, the Hebrew Bible, and canonical sources creates a rare blend of knowledge that truly delights his students. David’s approach to Middle Eastern life and politics makes the discussions current and enriches the learning experience for all.
David received his bachelor's degree in Bible and Greek from Multnomah School of the Bible, studying with Dr. Gary Staats and Edward W. Goodrick, who David credits with imparting a deep interest in the canonical languages of Christianity and Judaism, as a starting place for understanding the Bible, and inspiring the realization that English is a veil, a curtain, an interpretaion of what lies under it.
As part of his undergraduate degree, David opted for a year of foreign study at the then American Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem. On the eve of David's departure, the Yom Kippur war broke out, and despite his family's pleas to abandon his plans, David boarded the first El-Al flight bound for Israel after the war started, then stepped into history in the making. This trip turned out to be a life-changing experience, where his encounter with the reality of Israel began to shape a Hebraic Perspective. He realized his understanding and reading eyes were western, but the Bible is a Hebraic non-western book.
A class with Prof. Shmuel Safrai sparkled a journey, a pursuit to understand the Sages and their world view. It was then that David met Tamar, a sabra who deeply influenced his thinking by shering her unique insights on Israel.
David returned to Israel on two other occasions, the first for a language course, and the second for two academic years at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He recalls that studying Talmud with Dr. PesachSchindler was an ever-intriguing adventure in Rabbinics, and enthusiastically notes that Dr. Gafni gave him a glimpse into the complexities of the second Temple and Tannaitic periods. While Dr. Chana Safrai provided a vision for what is takes to place the Jew Jesus into the Jewish milieu in which he belongs, Prof. Flusser led him to see the Jew Jesus as one who spoke Hebrew, and gave relevance to the Gospel of Luke. David observes that taking classes in Hebrew contributed to making this experience transformative.
David pursued his graduate degree at Dropsie College of Hebrew and Cognate Languages in Philadephia, earning his Master's in Rabbinic Literature, and completing residency requirements for his Ph.D. There he worked with Dr. Bokser on understanding a diachronic approach to the Teaching of the Sages, while focusing on possible interpretations and a critical approach with Dr. Goldenberg. David later studied manuscripts with Dr. Bruce Metzger at Princeton Teheological Semminary; and at Regent College. While studying the the enormous world of secondary literature on the Gospels with Dr. R.R. Bruce, he came to the realization that each Gospel has a unique message and should not be blended together. David spent two months with Frances Schaeffer, at L'Abri in Europe, discovering how one's world-view directly relates to one's actions and thoughts. His simple and most profound presuppositionsl statement'the God who is there and has spoken' has stuck with him. With the support of Dr. Marvin Wilson, David served on staff at the Center for Judaic-Christian Studies with Dwight Pryor, where he created a series on the essentials for a Hebraic Perspective. Later David was a representative for Bridges for Peace in the Austin Texas area, and taught Hebrew at the Ezra Institute for Biblical Studies, something he never pictured himself doing because of his dyslexia.
More recently David completed his studies at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership where he was mentored by the late Dr. Byron Sherwin who encouraged in him a deep appreciation of Judaism as a whole world view within a theological synchronic approach. The impact of Dr. Sherwin in David's life cannot be overstated. David is presently writing: Towards a Hebraic Perspective, a text-based study.