joseph – The Ten Commandments Project

Economics in the Torah: Vayigash: Jubilee’s Genesis?

An anime-style illustration of famous economist David Ricardo speaking with Joseph about economics. David Ricardo should be recognizable as the historical English classical economist, dressed in early 19th-century attire; Joseph should appear as a dignified biblical-era figure in robes. Show them engaged in thoughtful conversation in a warm, scholarly setting with subtle economic imagery such as books, scrolls, and trade goods. Respectful, cinematic composition, expressive faces, polished anime art, no text or captions.

Economic-oriented laws date to antiquity. Rent control, minimum wage and pricing controls are some modern examples of these measures. Each law is meant to address particular concerns- housing, the ability to earn enough to afford life’s necessities, and the ability to afford an essential good. Their effectiveness and positive impact are subject to debate. OneContinue reading “Economics in the Torah: Vayigash: Jubilee’s Genesis?”

Miketz’ Biblical Literacy Moment

Use the original anime illustration as the source. Keep the same Pharaoh, Joseph, psychologist setting, anime style, clothing, facial features, colors, composition, and psychiatrist office. Turn the psychiatrist couch so it faces in the opposite direction, while keeping Pharaoh lying on the couch and Joseph seated in a chair taking notes. Preserve the overall scene and do not change the characters or add anyone.

In the Book of Zechariah, the Lord spirited Zerubbabel. He, one of the first group of Jews returning from Babylonian Exile, was tasked to rebuild the Temple. In imbuing Zerubbabel, the Lord famously stated: “Not through might or through power, but through My spirit.” Zechariah 4:6. An individual divine spirited is not a one-time scriptureContinue reading “Miketz’ Biblical Literacy Moment”

A Top Ten Torah Portion: Vayeishev

A vibrant anime-style illustration of Joseph, a biblical young man wearing an ornate, dazzling technicolor dream coat with many jewel-toned stripes, hanging out cheerfully with two friendly goats in a sunlit pastoral landscape. Whimsical, warm, expressive, richly colored, cinematic composition, tasteful and family-friendly. Do not include any text, logos, or lettering.

The Torah Portion Vayeishev is a top ten portion as far as the Ten Commandments. Not only is it entertaining as it includes the story of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it is a Decalogue conversation piece. It breathes life into their commandments and the role they play in everyday life. oseph’s wonderful narrativeContinue reading “A Top Ten Torah Portion: Vayeishev”

A Mikeitz’ Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Nature of Words

While Joseph’s narrative is packed full of drama, it also includes a multitude of meaningful moments of the Ten Commandments variety. One is an exchange between Joseph and his brothers in the Torah Portion Mikeitz. This particular interaction touches on the Swearing Commandment- “Thou Shalt Not Use the Lord’s name in vain.” Swearing, within theContinue reading “A Mikeitz’ Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Nature of Words”

Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?

And the man Moses was very humble, more than every human who was on the face of the earth Numbers 12:3 How does one become humble? The Torah Portion Vayeshev provides an answer; it is a Master Class in humiliation. Humiliation. as Vayeshev indicates, is a humbling mechanism. The Hebrew Bible values an individual’s capacityContinue reading “Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?”

If Heschel Met God

Abraham J. Heschel’s Stanford University lectures in May of 1963 were edited and published. The question was: “Who Is Man?” Within the lectures, he introduced the concepts of the “question” and the “problem.” Heschel noted “[a] question is due to knowing too little, to a desire to know more; a problem is often due toContinue reading “If Heschel Met God”

Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

“… be watchful to do all the laws and the judgments that I’m putting in front of you today.” Deuteronomy 11:26 Before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Children of Israel are reminded about their Divine Covenant. Laws and judgments are to be followed. In juxtaposition, the Patriarch Isaac is confined toContinue reading “Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Death’s Sanctity: Chayeh Sarah

And after that Abraham buried Sarah Genesis 23:19 The Torah holds one’s passing sacred. The Portion Chayeh Sarah unleashes life lessons surrounding death’s sanctity that continue throughout the Pentateuch. With one’s passing, there is the inevitable gathering of individuals. Some harboring long-standing consternation towards fellow funeral attendees. When Venn Diagramming life activities with the DecalogueContinue reading “Death’s Sanctity: Chayeh Sarah”

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”

The Helicopter God

long before the helicopter’s invention, there was “helicopter parenting”. did this parenting-style inspire creating that flying contraption? there is no need to drone on about it. buddha’s father is perhaps the most well-known and ancient of the airborne parent. he essentially trapped his son into a palatial lifestyle. eventually, the buddha would exit his protected life toContinue reading “The Helicopter God”