Biblical Literacy pays off. Both socially and professionally, a snappy poignant Hebrew Bible passage can be a game-changer. Whether for writing or conversation, scripture is loaded with insightful quotes on a panoply of topics. This “Blog Post Series” is meant to offer up some meaningful and employable lines to enhance ones rhetorical toolbox. Practice WhatContinue reading “A Biblical Moment Literacy, #2, Mishpatim- Plus A Bonus Rant”
Category Archives: biblical literacy
The Answer: Mishpatim’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Why are no punishments listed within the Ten Commandments? This often asked Decalogue question is partially answered in the Torah Portion Mishpatim. The answer is two-pronged, one part is complex while the other is simple. The complex part of the answer pertains to the concept of Community vs. Individual Code of Conduct. Since the DecalogueContinue reading “The Answer: Mishpatim’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Off-the-Books Law
Is it possible to have both a Written and an Oral Law? The answer is yes! While the concept is enigmatic, from a legal standpoint, it makes complete sense. The events in the Torah Portion Yitro reveal that an Israelite legal system existed prior to the Ten Commandments. Beyond that, a body of Oral LawContinue reading “The Off-the-Books Law”
A Brief Moment of Biblical Literacy: Beshalach
The Torah’s contemporaneous composition is a misconception. The Torah itself dispels the assumption that the totality of its passages were crafted in temporal proximity to the events. One of these instances is in the Torah Portion Beshalach. A Beshalach passage illustrates a writing style with a pedagogical purpose. The Passage The Beshalach passage at issueContinue reading “A Brief Moment of Biblical Literacy: Beshalach”
Community Rules: Bo’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
All of the congregation of Israel shall do it Exodus 12:47 Thanksgiving is celebrated across the United States. The Thursday event is when family and friends join in a smorgasbord-like meal with traditional offerings. Many take a moment on the day to express gratitude. Then, some turn on the television to watch the Detroit Lions’Continue reading “Community Rules: Bo’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Tipping Point in Real Time: Va’era
Posting on current events can often be futile. As many news items have limited shelf-life, a post’s utility evaporates rapidly. With the ongoing Iranian uprising, however, this is not the case. What is transpiring aptly connects into the political theories espoused by the Hebrew Bible. Specifically, the Torah Portion Va’era touches on an ongoing conflict;Continue reading “The Tipping Point in Real Time: Va’era”
The Book of Lamentations’ Ten Commandments Moment
Sometimes, it’s over. A nation is crushed. With that, people must query: “is there is anything left?” With the populace in despair, other questions arise: “How did it come to this?”; “What is to become of us?”; and “Who are we?” These questions weight heavy on a nation eternally covenanted-by Decalogue- to a Deity. Writings,Continue reading “The Book of Lamentations’ Ten Commandments Moment”
Vayigash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Real Estate Polemic?
But the land shall not be sold permanently, because the land is mine, because you are aliens and visitors with me! Leviticus 25:23 While Real Property is not directly addressed within the Ten Commandments, theologically, it is. A Ten Commandments’ real estate reference leads us to a socio-economic controversy that remains relevant in present dayContinue reading “Vayigash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Real Estate Polemic?”
A Mikeitz’ Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Nature of Words
While Joseph’s narrative is packed full of drama, it also includes a multitude of meaningful moments of the Ten Commandments variety. One is an exchange between Joseph and his brothers in the Torah Portion Mikeitz. This particular interaction touches on the Swearing Commandment- “Thou Shalt Not Use the Lord’s name in vain.” Swearing, within theContinue reading “A Mikeitz’ Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Nature of Words”
Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?
And the man Moses was very humble, more than every human who was on the face of the earth Numbers 12:3 How does one become humble? The Torah Portion Vayeshev provides an answer; it is a Master Class in humiliation. Humiliation. as Vayeshev indicates, is a humbling mechanism. The Hebrew Bible values an individual’s capacityContinue reading “Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?”
The Ten Commandments Project 