Can one person transform the world? According to the Torah Portion Lech Lecha, “Yes.” For over two thousand years, scholars, commentators, and social scientists have tackled the Lech Lecha phenomena. In Modernity In 2000, Malcolm Gladwell explored the viral nature of human activity. In The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference,Continue reading “Virtue Unleashed? Lech Lecha”
Category Archives: covenant
The Question: “Why?” Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Make it make sense? The Torah Portion Noah’s Post-Flood Covenant should have solved all of the world’s problems. Correct? After all, the God-Human covenant assured that a world would not be subjected to another deity inflicted devastation. It was also sealed with a rainbow! Only a double rainbow could have made it better!! Genesis 8:21-22.Continue reading “The Question: “Why?” Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Of Covenants, Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
All creative work is derivative Nina Paley What is new may in fact be old. Painting with a different color scheme; playing music in a faster tempo; or re-purposing medications for a different disease. Incremental innovations can constitute newness. Slight changes may be just as impactful as radical innovation. The latter may, in fact, beContinue reading “Of Covenants, Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Rosh Hashonah Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Get up. Carry the boy and hold him in your hand, because I shall make him a big nation. Genesis 21: 23 The Rosh Hashonah Torah Portion tackles both matters of faith and covenant. Abraham, in the portion, is embroiled in a familial crisis. He must deal with competing maternal interests. Sarah, his wife, isContinue reading “The Rosh Hashonah Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Are All Commandments Equal?: Va’etchanan
The Torah houses the Decalogue. Thus, within the Pentateuch’s 613 Commandments, the Ten Commandments is a subset. The Decalogue’s location gives rise to an Orwellian query: “Are some Commandments more equal than others?” According to the Torah Portion Va’etchanan, the answer is “yes”. The Ten Commandments are different from the others. Moses explain why inContinue reading “Are All Commandments Equal?: Va’etchanan”
The Art of Speculation? Shemot
Before Exodus’ desert wandering, there was readers’ wondering. Prior to Moses’ Burning Bush encounter in which he was conscripted by Israelite Deity to stage a national liberation, the Torah Portion Shemot delivers one of scripture’s most perplexing passages. This enigmatic passage, however, when viewed through Decalogue- themed lenses, unlocks enlightenment. Speculation, in the instance, isContinue reading “The Art of Speculation? Shemot”
The Evolution of Swearing: Vayechi
And He said, “I’ll do according to your word.” And He said, “Swear to me” And he swore to him. Genesis 47:30 Everyone needs assurances. Promises often can be confounded by failing human memory, distraction, or a change of circumstances. Assurances, in scripture, were taken to the next level via oath or a swearing. TheContinue reading “The Evolution of Swearing: Vayechi”
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”
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”
The Ten Commandments Project 