Understanding
God's Word
Two Olive Trees, a publishing house specializing in the publication of biblical commentaries and books of spiritual edification.
We are passionate about the sacred book that is the Bible and we strive to make it known and understood by a wide audience through our writings.
Our name, "Two Olive Trees," refers to the two olive trees mentioned in the book of Zechariah, symbols of grace and divine anointing. But also to the two witnesses described in Revelation 11, who are according to the allusions made in the text: Elijah and Moses, two prophets from the time of the Hebrew Bible, who in the biblical symbolism of the apostolic writings represent the People of Israel and the Christian people.
Bereishit - Genesis
Bereishit, Genesis: Parashah, Haftarah and Apostolic Writings. Bible Commentary Based on Jewish Sources and Thought.
Embark on a captivating journey through the book of Genesis, exploring profound narratives and timeless teachings guided by Jewish tradition. "Bereishit: In the Beginning" invites you to discover the majestic creation story, the establishment of marriage, and divine instructions for a blessed life. Witness the triumphs and trials of Abraham and his descendants as they embody faith, resilience, and devotion to God—an ancient narrative that resonates with universal truths.
Dr. Richard A. Elofer expertly navigates this text, unveiling its depths and relevance for today's world. Join us as we uncover the wonders and wisdom of Genesis, grounded in centuries of interpretation and scholarship. Delve into the enduring legacy of this sacred text, where Jewish tradition illuminates every page, enriching our understanding and deepening our connection to its profound teachings.
Shemot - Exodus
Shemot, Exodus: Parashah, Haftarah and Apostolic Writings. Bible Commentary Based on Jewish Sources and Thought.
The word Exodus is related to the word Exit – indicating a departure from one situation and moving toward another, new experience. The Yisraelites left a life of slavery to return to their homeland. But their return was not only to a land, it was also a return to their God.
While in Egypt, under the heavy hand of their taskmasters, much of their religion had been laid aside and nearly forgotten. Hashem now called them out of their dire situation and called them to Himself— He would form them into His own Chosen People. Exodus is not only the story of the deliverance from slavery, but a return to God.
In this book, Dr. Richard Elofer expertly guides us through this story, pointing out features and concepts that are firmly grounded in Scripture and enhanced by the Jewish understanding as found in the Jewish tradition and writings. Join us as we accompany Bnei Yisrael toward their destiny.
Vayikra - Leviticus
Vayikra, Leviticus: Parashah, Haftarah and Apostolic Writings. Bible Commentary Based on Jewish Sources and Thought.
The book of Leviticus occupies the central position among the five books of the Torah, indicating the importance of this book. While a traditional name is Torat Cohanim, this book applied to all Yisrael and contains many lessons for us today. The Tabernacle, with its glorious golden walls, beautifully embroidered curtains and expensive gold-plated furniture is now ready to become the dwelling place of God. The book of Leviticus describes the worship services that took place within the Tabernacle and its courtyard, explaining how we are reconciled to God. Also in the book of Leviticus are important admonitions instructing us to love our neighbor, as found in the precept, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). We invite you to join Dr. Elofer as he reveals important insights from Scripture and Jewish tradition to enhance our understanding of the book of Leviticus.
Bamidbar - Numbers
Bamidbar, Numbers: Parashah, Haftarah and Apostolic Writings. Bible Commentary Based on Jewish Sources and Thought.
Just as a newly-married bride and groom must adjust and grow into their relationship, so Yisrael as newly-freed slaves out of Egypt had a steep learning curve in their relationship with God. Yes, there were a few rebellions along the way, some of them serious and wide-spread, but God's later remembrance to Jeremiah was one of love and devotion: "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, and the way you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown" (Jeremiah 2:1, 2). The years lived in the wilderness under direct tutelage from God were years of development and instruction, preparing a new generation for their entrance into the Promised Land. Allow Dr. Richard Elofer to be your guide as you explore these instructive moments in Bemidbar —"in the wilderness."
Devarim - Deuteronomy
Devarim, Deuteronomy: Parashah, Haftarah and Apostolic Writings. Bible Commentary Based on Jewish Sources and Thought.
As the Children of Yisrael complete their 40-year trek through the Wilderness, Moshe is also reaching the end of his journey – the time for his Exodus is at hand. He has shouldered the responsibility of leading the Yisraelites for the last 40 years, and at times the load seemed unbearable. Now he senses another pressing responsibility: he feels burdened to give his best counsel and guiding words to this new generation for the challenges that lie ahead. With a clear prophetic eye, Moshe does not shirk his duty. For 30 days he gives godly counsel to guide both the people standing before him and their descendants. He does not mask their imminent or future perils. Moshe stresses to the people that their success is firmly tied to their obedience to the words of the Lord. Deuteronomy is often referred to as the "second Torah" or a repetition of the Torah, as Moshe recalls important
instruction. Once his counsel is completed, Moshe bursts forth with blessings for each of the tribes as he envisions their abundant success.
Dr. Elofer will be pleased to guide you through this fascinating book.
Our Approach
Our approach is biblical, messianic, and Judeo-Christian,
imbued with a sensitivity close to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We support a return to the text and only the text of the Bible, while respecting the divine will as expressed in the Torah, particularly through the Ten Commandments. This includes the fourth commandment, which recommends rest and worship of God on the seventh day of the week, which is Saturday.
Symbolism of the Logos
Our publishing house logo: This logo represents the two olive trees mentioned by the prophet Zechariah in Zechariah 4. As the prophet observes these two olive trees, he asks: "What do these two olive trees signify?" (Zechariah 4:11), the angel who communicates the divine message to him answers: "Do you not know what they signify? I said, No, my lord. And he said: These are the two anointed ones who stand before the Lord of all the earth." (Zechariah 4:13-14).
Richard Elofer
President
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Richard worked in Israel for fifteen years (1997-2012) as a president of a religious organization. It was during his time in Israel (2000) that he received a call from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to be part-time director of the World Center for Jewish-Adventist Friendship, a world mission center dedicated to training pastors and leaders for relations with Judaism.
In 2012, he returned to France and agreed to be the full-time director of the World Center for Jewish-Adventist Friendship, a position he held until 2021.
Richard Elofer has taught in 80 countries around the world. Although he is currently a retired pastor, he remains very active as a writer and speaker.
Richard Elofer
Publishing Director
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Richard completed his studies with a Master of Arts in Global Leadership Leadership (MAGL) in 2008 and a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies (D.I.S.) from the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in 2012, in Pasadena, California (USA).
Richard Elofer is married to Liliane, they have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
