biblelifestudies

News Shaming?

Can someone consume news only to be shamed for recounting it? The legendary artist Janet Jackson may just be victim of such a scenario. Ms. Jackson ignited controversy in a Guardian publication interview. When she was prodded concerning presidential politics, she made an observation. She indicated that VP and Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris was ofContinue reading “News Shaming?”

A Success Story: Ki Tavo

To get a good job, with a great starting salary Dean Van Horne, Accepted As the Pentateuch’s calendar year reading rapidly nears completion, the Torah Portion Ki Tavo answers an essential Ten Commandments’ question. While the Portion Ki Tavo is packed with a rich multitude of Decalogue topics, one passage answers a query which isContinue reading “A Success Story: Ki Tavo”

Triskaidekaphobia: The Art of Looking Smart

Today, I am embracing the absurd. Stepping outside of my limited vocabulary, I am publishing this post which includes very difficult word that is completely outside my element: Triskaidekaphobia. One may ask, “why take the chance?” As someone believes that every day is an opportunity to improve oneself, I view this a legitimate stretch asContinue reading “Triskaidekaphobia: The Art of Looking Smart”

Thou Shalt Not Be A Pig? Ki Tezieh

But if you try sometime, you’ll find that you get what you need Rolling Stones A two-sentence kerfuffle! Oh my! A particularly short Ki Tezieh Torah Portion passage presents with mind-bending complexity. While these two sentences yield a multitude of interpretations, the text contains a kernel that yields an undisputable consensus opinion: “Don’t be aContinue reading “Thou Shalt Not Be A Pig? Ki Tezieh”

Going Postal in August: AI vs. HI

My “Hot August Nights” were beset with AI conflict. I, the Solitary Man, raged against the machine. HI- Human Intelligence- spent a week matching wits against AI. While it was my wife who actually encountered a real cyber intelligence in the form of the “Terminator” at Gold’s Gym, I was wrestling with cyber space. WhileContinue reading “Going Postal in August: AI vs. HI”

The Icing On The Decalogue’s Cake: Shoftim

My wife loves to make up rules. While in scripture the laws often are preceded by “and the Lord spoke to Moses,” for me, the words “from now on…” often initiates a session of marital legislation at most likely an inopportune time. Who makes laws while struck driving on the 405! For me, matrimonial governmentContinue reading “The Icing On The Decalogue’s Cake: Shoftim”

Of Crossing Over? Re’eh

I walk the line Johnny Cash Life comes with beginnings: a new school, a new job, a new love of one’s life. With the new comes the unknown. While we may possess some rudimentary grasp of what is to become, the unknown remains an element with each and every new encounter. What will the newContinue reading “Of Crossing Over? Re’eh”

Who “Actually” Wrote The Bible: A Book Review

With Richard Elliott Friedman’s Who Wrote The Bible?, we explore the Hebrew Bible’s authorship. With Professor Jacob Wright’s Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins, we explore the goals and ambitions of the people[scribes]working behind the scenes to craft the Hebrew Bible. With William M. Schniederwind’s Who Really Wrote theContinue reading “Who “Actually” Wrote The Bible: A Book Review”

No To Recycling? Eikev

How is the human spirit tied to inanimate objects? And what does it have to do with recycling? The Torah Portion Eikev enlightens us on both queries. Eikev touches upon the interplay between idolatry, recycling and human thought. The human psyche is profoundly impacted by material objects; even something as simple as a glass ofContinue reading “No To Recycling? Eikev”

Of Kamala Harris

While VP and Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris has been often criticized for “word salad,” nobody has taken the time to posit why she speaks that way. Many years ago in my Zelig like life, I encountered the possible POTUS at an earlier stage of her political career. This experience leads me to offer up aContinue reading “Of Kamala Harris”