And God saw everything that He made, and … it was very good. Genesis 1:31 Why is taking time off of work in the Torah so important? The Portion Vayakhel explains it in human terms. From Exodus version of the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath refrain from labor was tied to the world’s creation. The rationaleContinue reading “Sabbath Meaning? Vayakhel: A Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Category Archives: biblical literacy
A Moment of Biblical Literacy: The Book of Ezra and Cyrus The Great
Whoever is among you of His entire people–may his God be with him–let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and build the Temple of the Lord, God of Israel– He is the God!– which is in Jerusalem. Ezra 1:2 With historic events, i.e. the liberation of the people, joyous expressions occur. NamingContinue reading “A Moment of Biblical Literacy: The Book of Ezra and Cyrus The Great”
A Valued Added Read: Ki Tisa
Western Civilization struggles with matters of wealth disparity and individual self-worth. The Torah Portion Ki Tisa tackled both topics in the most unusual of ways; a construction and maintenance project- the Tabernacle. In this instance, a Torah Commandment, rather than a pronouncement, shaped public opinion. Ki Tisa In Ki Tisa, specific individuals were mandated toContinue reading “A Valued Added Read: Ki Tisa”
To Err Is Divine: The Tetzaveh Haftarah
When it’s time to change, you’ve got to rearrange The Brady Bunch Mistakes happen. How do they happen? And when they do, what are the dynamics of change? This Post analyzes these questions in the context of a divine mistake. A massive error threatening the Israelite’s newly enacted political reconfiguration. This miscue required change atContinue reading “To Err Is Divine: The Tetzaveh Haftarah”
A Biblical Moment Literacy, #2, Mishpatim- Plus A Bonus Rant
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”
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 Ten Commandments Project 