The Torah’s contemporaneous composition is a misconception. The Torah itself dispels the assumption that the totality of its passages were crafted in temporal proximity to the events. One of these instances is in the Torah Portion Beshalach. A Beshalach passage illustrates a writing style with a pedagogical purpose. The Passage The Beshalach passage at issueContinue reading “A Brief Moment of Biblical Literacy: Beshalach”
Category Archives: exodus
Message’s Multiple Meanings: Beshalach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Each according to what he needs Exodus 16:16 Messages produce multiple meanings. Once transmitted, the communicator loses control. It’s the audience that captures, formulates and re-shapes the message. Pandora’s microphone anyone? In essence, one never just communicates a point. Rather, they communicate far more; they ignite a multitude of impressions, concepts or viewpoints. The TorahContinue reading “Message’s Multiple Meanings: Beshalach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Tipping Point in Real Time: Va’era
Posting on current events can often be futile. As many news items have limited shelf-life, a post’s utility evaporates rapidly. With the ongoing Iranian uprising, however, this is not the case. What is transpiring aptly connects into the political theories espoused by the Hebrew Bible. Specifically, the Torah Portion Va’era touches on an ongoing conflict;Continue reading “The Tipping Point in Real Time: Va’era”
Sabbath Origins? Bechlach
And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because He ceased from doing all his work, which God created Genesis 2:3 While the Sabbath was established at Creation’s completion, the day of rest was imposed upon the Children of Israel. After leaving Egypt, in the Torah Portion Bechlach, Sabbath rules commenced. Before Mt.Continue reading “Sabbath Origins? Bechlach”
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”
Exodus and Revolution: A Book Review
Before I embarked on the Ten Commandments Project, reading Michael Walzer’s Exodus and Revolution would provided context as to how the Torah shaped Western Civilization’s Politics. Walzer’s text details how the Exodus narrative influenced the entire spectrum of political thought. Mr. Walzer frames the Exodus into components- Bondage, the Wilderness, the Covenant and the PromisedContinue reading “Exodus and Revolution: A Book Review”
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”
Genesis’ Ultimate Technicolor Ten Commandments’ Portion: Vayeshev
The Torah Portion Vayeshev overflows with Ten Commandments’ moments. Even Vayeshev’s last sentence echos a moment of Decalogue drama and reflection. The last line is literary genius. Short of the Commandments handed down at Mt. Sinai, Yayehev’s tales of Joseph and others touch on an abundance of Decalogue topics. Nine out of the TenContinue reading “Genesis’ Ultimate Technicolor Ten Commandments’ Portion: Vayeshev”
Of Moses & Mangione
The UnitedHealthcare CEO’s assassination tale bares similarity to Moses’ murder of the Egyptian Taskmaster. Laying in wait was the modus operandi for both. In the Moses’ case, it was an unnamed Hebrew Slave’s rebuke of Moses that saved Western Civilization. Mr. Lugi Mangione is the alleged CEO assassin. His background has much in common withContinue reading “Of Moses & Mangione”
Teruma’s Ten Commandments’ Moment : InTent
The Torah Portion Teruma bolsters the Exodus’ historicity. Teruma explicitly details construction matters for the Mishkan aka Tabernacle. The Tabernacle’s discuss is part of Richard Elliott Friedman’s argument that an Exodus did occur. Scholars have connected the Tabernacle’s design to another structure from antiquity. The Mishkan’s design bears similarity to Pharoah Ramses II’s War Tent that wasContinue reading “Teruma’s Ten Commandments’ Moment : InTent”
The Ten Commandments Project 