biblical literacy – The Ten Commandments Project

The Bigger Picture: Ki Teitzei

Museum visitors viewing Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting in a gallery

What is the Torah’s Big Picture? The answer can be achieved by making sense of a one particular perplexing commandment from the Torah Portion Ki Teitzei. Before doing so, one must understand that the Pentateuch, some opine, was intended to be a nation’s law. To accomplish this goal, the Torah is crafted with commandments thatContinue reading “The Bigger Picture: Ki Teitzei”

Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate? Ki Teitzei

Two male students in uniforms shake hands in a school hallway

Is procrastination a commandment violation? The Torah Portion Ki Teizei addresses this put-off subject tied to the Decalogue. In a passage exploring the significance of the passage of time, the Ten Commandments becomes relevant. Beyond excoriating the usual suspects- all of us who delay fulfilling commitments, the Torah implores people to do one of theContinue reading “Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate? Ki Teitzei”

A Biblical Literacy Moment: The Prophet Defined

Elder pouring oil on kneeling young man's head in a biblical village at sunset

The prophet’s role is revealed in the Torah Portion Shoftim. Moses evokes Mt. Sinai’s fireworks and the Ten Commandments to explain one of the prophet’s essential duties. With this, Moses also introduces a qualifying requirement for the position. To appreciate Moses’ retelling of what transpired at Mt. Sinai, a reading of Exodus’ contemporaneous account isContinue reading “A Biblical Literacy Moment: The Prophet Defined”

Re-eh: The Realities of Reality

Wallet with Japanese yen bills and cards held out to a smiling cashier in a convenience store

Brother, can you spare a dime? Bing Crosby Truth, justice and righteousness are the cries of the Hebrew Bible Prophets. Jeremiah 4:2. Committing a righteous act, sometimes, isn’t easy. This is particularly the case when it comes to a troubling Torah Portion Re-eh Commandment concerning indigency. Addressing an indigent’s needs proves quite problematic with theContinue reading “Re-eh: The Realities of Reality”

The False Prophet: A Biblical Literacy Moment

Nobleman in green and gold robes speaking to a crowd on stone steps at dusk

False prophets? How do we know? The Torah Portion Re’eh defines a false scriptural prophet. Not only does Re’eh address the deity-prophet relationship, but it also addresses the biblical concepts of both testing as well as an individual’s heart. Given the multitude of issues raised within the passage, understanding the prophets’ bona fides within theContinue reading “The False Prophet: A Biblical Literacy Moment”

Who Is He? Definitions: Eikev: A Ten Commandments’ Moment

Man writing Hebrew characters on a chalkboard in front of a seated crowd outdoors

The Ten Commandments, being a contract, identifies the parties. In the Decalogue, “I am the Lord, your God” is the party of the first part, and the party of the second part are the individuals he brought out from the Land of Egypt. Exodus 20:2 Give this limited description of the part of the firstContinue reading “Who Is He? Definitions: Eikev: A Ten Commandments’ Moment”

A Biblical Literacy Moment: Deuteronomy 8:3

Seven friends sitting at a wooden table with bread and butter, smiling and chatting in a rustic room.

The phrase Man does not live on bread alone is not only a classic, it’s biblical. The line is part of a theologically deep passage that was so significant that it was even referenced in later scripture. Additionally, the well-crafted English translation has taken a life of its own. It connotes a different meaning withinContinue reading “A Biblical Literacy Moment: Deuteronomy 8:3”

Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

Bride and groom holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony with guests and officiant

The prohibition from “using the Lord’s name in vain” is the Decalogue Commandment featured in the Torah Portion Matot. Various Matot passages specifically address vows and oaths. Oaths and vows are not only prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible but have also been consequential. Beyond theological concerns, oaths and vows are necessary for building societies. TheyContinue reading “Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History

Older bearded man reading book titled Origins of Judaism by oil lamp in study

A Torah Portion Balak’s impactful passage resonates in history. It was referenced as part of a historical event from antiquity. In the post-biblical Book of the Maccabees, the portion Balak is cited during a transformative event; an event that shaped present day history and theology. The Balak passage, however, due to its graphic and violentContinue reading “Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History”

A Major League Biblical Literacy Moment: Rainbows Matter

Four baseball players in San Francisco uniforms standing on a baseball field at sunset with a rainbow and city skyline

And the earth was corrupted before God, and the earth was filled with violence. Genesis 6:11 Balls and strikes can be called on Major League Baseball’s scriptural verse controversy. The Torah citation to Genesis 9:12-16, has been pitched by players, including the San Francisco Giant’s Laden Roupp, as worthy scripture. The players have inscribed itContinue reading “A Major League Biblical Literacy Moment: Rainbows Matter”