The Torah Portion Behar expands upon the notion of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is greater concept than the one expressed within the Ten Commandments. While resting remains central, the Sabbath’s target and duration has changed. With the Decalogue, Humans and Working Animals were to afforded to day off. This was in accord that the IsraeliteContinue reading “Behar, The Greater Sabbath”
Author Archives: biblelifestudies
Available For Speaking
If you have Zoom, perhaps we can make an arrangement. While I am not as tall or handsome as the AI generated image for this post, hopefully my speaking will be satisfying. Over three decades, I have lectured on a variety of topics at professional organizations. Recently, after developing a multitude of content, I haveContinue reading “Available For Speaking”
Purpose Found
In a previous post “A Dog’s Search For Meaning”, the tale was told of how a dog, unknowing of its purpose, manifested all the trappings of its true being. Despite a lack of training, or instruction, or the companionship of a similar breed, the animal was on the pathway of discovering itself. Dogs have beenContinue reading “Purpose Found”
In All Fairness
Unfairness may be the one word that most depicts the Human Condition. The Torah Portion Emor addresses fairness within a multitude of dimensions. It is a deity’s solution towards addressing inequity. Emor, however, begins with directives and restrictions to those of the Israelite Priestly class. The sons of Aaron had limits like no other Israelite.Continue reading “In All Fairness”
The Best We Got?
If only one Torah Portion could be read to appreciate the scripture’s societal significance, what would it be? While Yitro, which tells of the Ten Commandments received from Mt. Sinai would be one suggestion, the Portion Kedoshim is likely the consensus choice. Kedoshim, however, is absent any drama or visual stimulation. The reader encounters aContinue reading “The Best We Got?”
String Cite Theory
A “String Cite” is a powerful legal writing tool. Briefs and Court Opinions often cite authority. Authority can be reference to anything from a statute, regulation, case cite to a legal treatise. String cites are like an authority on steriods; they often list three or four specific references. The cumulative nature of them suggest aContinue reading “String Cite Theory”
The “New” Old Relationship
At Mt. Sinai, while the Decalogue was delivered to the Children of Israel, there neither king annointed or the coronation of one. Rather, the holy mountain experience was a deity covenanting with his nation. The Israelites understood, as was written in stone, that their particular relationship was with a “jealous” God. Exodus 20:5. Thus, theContinue reading “The “New” Old Relationship”
It Could Have Been Eleven
But these go to eleven This is Spinal Tap The Prophet Zephaniah- whose book is located in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Twelve Prophets-delivered some brilliant wisdom. This post-Torah scripture passage is Decalogue-worthy. If the Ten Commandments had not been written in stone and codified in the Torah, this Prophet’s declaration – in the spiritContinue reading “It Could Have Been Eleven”
The Metaphor
“Who is in charge?” “Who is not?” The Hebrew Bible includes much content addressing the relationship between God and Humanity. With the Ten Commandments, a covenant between a deity and the Children of Israel was established. With this covenant, the deity- authority- propounded directives upon the people. These directives- th Decalogue- were further expanded uponContinue reading “The Metaphor”
Procedural Values
You Can Read The Bill After It Passes Nancy Pelosi The mere act of transmission can impart values. While the Decalogue- stand alone- is rich with laws and morals, the wonderous delivery of Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel at Mt. Sinai provides deep and impactful message. With a Rock Star Prophet-Moses- and aContinue reading “Procedural Values”
The Ten Commandments Project 