The Torah Portion Bamidbar, while describing a head count, goes no to list a large number of individual’s names. Biblical names were defining; names, as we learn from the Torah, have currency. The best example of a defining name comes from Moses’ Burning Bush encounter. Moses queries God as to what name he should provideContinue reading “What’s In A Name? Bamidbar”
Category Archives: biblical literacy
The Bible In Four Words
Hillel, the revered Talmudic figure, was once queried by a Roman concerning Judaism. The Roman asked the Rabbi to teach him Judaism while standing on one foot. Hillel told him “that which is hateful unto you, do not do unto your neighbor, that is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this- goContinue reading “The Bible In Four Words”
The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai
Contracts can be life-changing. As such, an attorney’s deep understanding of the parties allows for them to negotiate a “win-win” deal. Thus, knowing who you are dealing with is part of the artistry of the deal. In a divorce matter, I offered a husband advice concerning the dissolution’s last controversy. It involved the division ofContinue reading “The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai”
Isaiah On Idols
While the Decalogue provides commandments concerning idolatry, passages from Isaiah offer much insight into the workings that surrounded this practice. This post will discuss one particular portion is worthy of looking at in contemporary terms. In Isaiah 44, the Prophet Isaiah brings the following message: “All who fashion statues are empty, and the objects ofContinue reading “Isaiah On Idols”
Life As a Game, Batter Up!
Did a Prophet’s message have the dynamics of Coaching Little League Baseball? Can a Parent’s words of encouragement to a young budding athlete can have the same effect as holy words delivered by a Prophet? To explore this notion, an observation must be made with respect to a little leaguer readying for an “at bat.”Continue reading “Life As a Game, Batter Up!”
String Cite Theory
A “String Cite” is a powerful legal writing tool. Briefs and Court Opinions often cite authority. Authority can be reference to anything from a statute, regulation, case cite to a legal treatise. String cites are like an authority on steriods; they often list three or four specific references. The cumulative nature of them suggest aContinue reading “String Cite Theory”
The “New” Old Relationship
At Mt. Sinai, while the Decalogue was delivered to the Children of Israel, there neither king annointed or the coronation of one. Rather, the holy mountain experience was a deity covenanting with his nation. The Israelites understood, as was written in stone, that their particular relationship was with a “jealous” God. Exodus 20:5. Thus, theContinue reading “The “New” Old Relationship”
It Could Have Been Eleven
But these go to eleven This is Spinal Tap The Prophet Zephaniah- whose book is located in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Twelve Prophets-delivered some brilliant wisdom. This post-Torah scripture passage is Decalogue-worthy. If the Ten Commandments had not been written in stone and codified in the Torah, this Prophet’s declaration – in the spiritContinue reading “It Could Have Been Eleven”
The Metaphor
“Who is in charge?” “Who is not?” The Hebrew Bible includes much content addressing the relationship between God and Humanity. With the Ten Commandments, a covenant between a deity and the Children of Israel was established. With this covenant, the deity- authority- propounded directives upon the people. These directives- th Decalogue- were further expanded uponContinue reading “The Metaphor”
Procedural Values
You Can Read The Bill After It Passes Nancy Pelosi The mere act of transmission can impart values. While the Decalogue- stand alone- is rich with laws and morals, the wonderous delivery of Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel at Mt. Sinai provides deep and impactful message. With a Rock Star Prophet-Moses- and aContinue reading “Procedural Values”
The Ten Commandments Project 