Governments often assign arbitrary ages to rights and obligations. Consuming alcoholic beverages, driving motor vehicles, and voting are some of legally age-restricted activities which permission can vary based upon locale. For those activities indicated above, there is no age set in stone; rather, different jurisdictions apply different ages to different acts. Simply put, in someContinue reading “Behaalotecha: Age Matters?”
Category Archives: biblical literacy
A Biblical Literacy Moment: Behaalotecha: The Making of a Prophet
And a prophet did not rise again in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face-to-face. Deuteronomy 34:10 Much mystery surrounding Hebrew Bible Prophets. The Torah Portion Behaalotecha uniquely addresses prophesy. In one portion, the Prophets’ divine communication are re-defined; this transformation occurred in the middle of sibling controversy. A Biblical Literacy Moment on ProphesyContinue reading “A Biblical Literacy Moment: Behaalotecha: The Making of a Prophet”
Naso: A Blessing Like No Other
May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam-And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home- And may you grow to be proud dignified and true- And do unto others as you’d have done to you. Rod Stewart The Torah Portion Naso’s Priestly Blessing is one of theContinue reading “Naso: A Blessing Like No Other”
Shavuot Connections?
One of the Israelite’s earliest writings is tied to Shavuot- the celebration of the Ten Commandments’ receipt at Mt. Sinai. The Song of Deborah’s connection to both the Exodus and Mt. Sinai Covenant is striking. While Deborah’s exploits and the Exodus’ events share a theme of freedom, Deborah’s remembrance of Mt. Sinai experience is quiteContinue reading “Shavuot Connections?”
A Review and Critique of: How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel
In How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel, Professor William Schniedewind provides a plausible theory when scripture transformed. Once what was the authoritative oral tradition became supplanted by the emerging technology of writing. The book’s importance is beyond scriptural analysis. Rather, it presents as an episode of humanity confronting and strugglingContinue reading “A Review and Critique of: How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel”
Behar: Slipping?
For over 35 years, I have represented individuals who have suffered tremendous life setbacks. Some have lost their jobs, their housing, or their ability to support themselves. Some have been chronically homeless. An epiphany came from these thirty-plus years of both observation of and interaction with distressed individuals: it is far more productive to helpContinue reading “Behar: Slipping?”
Going Postal in April
April’s lunacy was thick with karma. Years ago in Santa Rosa on a spacious vineyard dotted highway, an immortal battle of wills erupted. It began as a clash of titans- Attorney versus Wild Turkey. It wasn’t the spirit, it was a real bird; and it wasn’t talking. Rather, the ornery wild thing was blocking theContinue reading “Going Postal in April”
Emor: All Things Being Equal
Everybody must get stoned Bob Dylan “An eye for an eye” is perhaps the most misunderstood Torah passage. Its literal interpretation sparks controversy. Often, it is interpreted as endorsing a barbaric means of justice. Mahatma Gandhi- allegedly- savaged the Torah Portion Emor passage with the assertion: “an eye for an eye will make the wholeContinue reading “Emor: All Things Being Equal”
Kedoshim: Ten Commandments Plus?
What looks like the Ten Commandments, sounds like the Ten Commandments, but isn’t the Ten Commandments? Torah Portion Kedoshim would be a good answer. Kedoshim, however, is more than the Decalogue. Kedoshim- part of Leviticus’ Holiness Code- serves a different purpose. The Torah Portion Kedoshim, while covering most of the Decalogue’s commandments, also contains additionalContinue reading “Kedoshim: Ten Commandments Plus?”
A Secular Ten Commandments’ Takeaway
An archaeological discovery provides ample evidence how the Ten Commandments (Decalogue) promotes secular societal values. An ancient pottery shard rather than the Ten Commandments’ two stone tablets proves this assertion. A writing of either a mere scribe or laborer speaks volumes for the one inscribed by the finger of God. Exodus 31:18. The scribe orContinue reading “A Secular Ten Commandments’ Takeaway”
The Ten Commandments Project 