A Hanukkah Ten Commandments’ Moment: Covenant Signs Matter

I saw the sign And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign Ace of Base Biblical Covenants can include signs. From Noah’s Post-Flood World to Abraham to the Children of Israel on Mt. Sinai, each of these eternal God-Human accords have a symbol. Thus, seeing a rainbow or attending a bris [ritual circumcisionContinue reading “A Hanukkah Ten Commandments’ Moment: Covenant Signs Matter”

Tazria: Beyond Comprehension?

Are there matters beyond comprehension? The Torah Portion Tazria’s Circumcision Commandment, when viewed in context, may be one of them. Appearing in Leviticus, the commandment was promulgated post-Exodus and pre-entry into the Promised Land. In a general biblical perspective, a circumcision commandment should be something benign. The instruction was: “[a]nd on the eighth day theContinue reading “Tazria: Beyond Comprehension?”

The Past Should Be History: Miketz

“There shall be one instruction for the citizen and for the alien who resides among you.” Exodus 12:49 Modern sensibilities are a barrier towards education.  Loaded with troubling passages, The Torah makes a perfect target for contemporary erasers and white washers.  Problematic events, offensive words and horrifying circumstances serve as pedagogical tools. Those representing moralityContinue reading “The Past Should Be History: Miketz”

Priorities: Tazria’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

The Torah Portion Tazria spells out an essential commandment. It is one that rivals the Decalogue in import. The portion commands that “on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumsized.” Leviticus 12:3. In Hebrew, the ceremony for that event is called “Brit Milah”. With this, we have our Ten Commandments’ moment:Continue reading “Priorities: Tazria’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Alex, I’ll Take Ten Commandments for $500, The Answer is “Rainbows, Circumcisions, & The Sabbath” A Ten Commandments’ Tale

the answer is “what are signs of a covenant.” in the torah, with the story of noah and the flood, the master of the universe evoked the “rainbow” as a sign of the covenant between the master of the universe and the creator of the universe. genesis 9:13-16″ my rainbow I have placed in theContinue reading “Alex, I’ll Take Ten Commandments for $500, The Answer is “Rainbows, Circumcisions, & The Sabbath” A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Rambo, Chanukah & The Religion’s Two Fisted Nature: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

“We will not hearken to the king’s words, to gofrom our religion, either on the right hand, or theleft.” first book of the macabees the iconic movie character rambo lends himself to chanukah. the holiday’s songs play much like the epic background music from the movies. the macabeans, like rambo, fight battles outnumbered and againstContinue reading “Rambo, Chanukah & The Religion’s Two Fisted Nature: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”