Are there hidden Torah themes? Does the Portion Shelach’s “Twelve Spies Tale” contain such a mystery theme? The major theme of Shelach is leadership. Tribal leaders botch a spy mission. Its consequence was the Israelite’s forty years of wilderness wandering. While The Twelve Spies Tale’s focus is on leaders, a hidden sub-theme appears. Detective workContinue reading “The Inner Theme? Shelach”
Author Archives: biblelifestudies
Ten Commandments’ Values
Laws signal societal values. For instance, Driving While Intoxicated Laws message many societal values. Human life and private property are to be valued; they speak to decency and disfavor with public intoxication as well. Arguably, they offer a faint endorsement for sobriety. The Decalogue promotes values as well. The Ten Commandments are endowed with aContinue reading “Ten Commandments’ Values”
Separation of Power? Bechaalotecha
Institution powers “will find a way. ” Dr. Ian Malcolm’s “life finds a way” from Jurassic Park rings true when political forces encroach upon the established powers. Professionally, I have witnessed existentially threatened institutions both re-invent and assert themselves. The results were shockingly successful. “Finding a way” is so powerful that even the dinosaurs foundContinue reading “Separation of Power? Bechaalotecha”
A “May Day”with The Two Dummies: Going Postal In…You Know the Month
May’s postal panic arose from a tale of two dummies. Last month, two very real ducks and landed me in hot water. While intended to be an excellent vehicle illustrating the expertise controversy, the story led to some unintended consequences. The Expert The study of expertise was part of my undergraduate studies. There is someContinue reading “A “May Day”with The Two Dummies: Going Postal In…You Know the Month”
The Four Most Important Movies For Modernity?
Cinema’s reach into the psyche exceeds literature. Truth, honesty and reality are themes are transmitted to society via popular movies. Four specific films captured modernity matters modernity in memorable fashion. Here is the list in increasing level of significance. Minority Report, #4 Minority Report is based upon the legendary science fiction author Philip K. Dick’sContinue reading “The Four Most Important Movies For Modernity?”
The Vow: Naso
The Torah Portion Naso is a springboard to many questions. Why have Nazarites? Why create a social status involving abstinence? Was there an unmentioned purpose for having Nazarite status? Has this concept continued through modernity? Perhaps, the most provocative Nazarite status question is “whether something can be simultaneously bad and good?” The Portion Naso laysContinue reading “The Vow: Naso”
The Author’s Mind: A Shavuot Thought
The Shavuot Holiday celebrates the receipt of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Shavuot also offers a moment to reflect upon scripture’s authorship. While Biblical Scholars focus on the textual sources, an analysis of the author’s mindset brings appreciation of the book’s utility. Writing Great writing connects to the audience. How can a text over 2000Continue reading “The Author’s Mind: A Shavuot Thought”
Bamidbar: Superorganism?
To understand the Israelite class structure, the concept of a superorganism should be considered. A superorganism is neither “super” nor is it a mere “organism,” rather, it is the recognition that a species or group can depart from individuality. Superorganisms are societies which function as an organic whole. A biological concept tied to it isContinue reading “Bamidbar: Superorganism?”
It’s A Miracle, I’m Sick!
“Because that’s where the money is.” Willie Sutton Be it a bank or a liquor store, that’s where the money is! Theft is an art form. Bank Robber extraordinaire Mr. Willie Sutton understood that robbery is more rewarding when the target is swimming in cash. If Mr. Sutton grew up today, he would likely targetContinue reading “It’s A Miracle, I’m Sick!”
The Psychic Cat Painfully Accurate
On May 13, 2025, the Jonah & The Killer Whale post called out Politicians and Religious Leaders. Their failure to express outrage over the use of violence as a means of expression was going to have consequences. The society, with its toxic social media and deteriorating culture, was green-lighting the horrific. Violent acts which areContinue reading “The Psychic Cat Painfully Accurate”
The Ten Commandments Project 