How can we judge societies? Are there principles applied to do so? Does the Hebrew Bible offer a methodology? The Hebrew Bible, in fact, yielded at least two philosophies for judge both nations, their leaders and inhabitants. The Hebrew Bible’s significance on this topic is its extensive period of observation. The Bible’s writings address theContinue reading “Principles vs. Societal Pursuits”
Category Archives: justice
Pattern Recognition: Shelach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
“… nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” U.S. Constitution, Fourteenth Amendment Pentateuch pattern recognition comes from avid Torah reading. The Torah Portion Shelach’s Sabbath violator tale’s similarity to the earlierContinue reading “Pattern Recognition: Shelach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Emor: All Things Being Equal
Everybody must get stoned Bob Dylan “An eye for an eye” is perhaps the most misunderstood Torah passage. Its literal interpretation sparks controversy. Often, it is interpreted as endorsing a barbaric means of justice. Mahatma Gandhi- allegedly- savaged the Torah Portion Emor passage with the assertion: “an eye for an eye will make the wholeContinue reading “Emor: All Things Being Equal”
The Poetry of Politics?
The Book of Psalms, is a collection of 150 poems. While they are attributed to King David, historically, the Psalms were written by a variety of individuals. Further, their composition and crafting span hundreds of years. It is opined that they were compiled into final form during the Babylonian exile. Psalms are used within dailyContinue reading “The Poetry of Politics?”
The Four Most Important Movies For Modernity?
Cinema’s reach into the psyche exceeds literature. Truth, honesty and reality are themes are transmitted to society via popular movies. Four specific films captured modernity matters modernity in memorable fashion. Here is the list in increasing level of significance. Minority Report, #4 Minority Report is based upon the legendary science fiction author Philip K. Dick’sContinue reading “The Four Most Important Movies For Modernity?”
Emor: The Big Message?
“All Animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell In the Torah, death penalties stand out. Seemingly slight offenses, i.e. gathering wood on the Sabbath, Numbers 15:32-36, have been subject to capital punishment. In these instances which include the severe sanction, is Torah actually intending to send a biggerContinue reading “Emor: The Big Message?”
Jonah & The Killer Whale
Now should I not take pity on Nineveh, the great city, in which there are many more than one hundred twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left…? Jonah 4:11 Is United States a modern-day Nineveh? If so, how many residents don’t know their right hand from their left? GivenContinue reading “Jonah & The Killer Whale”
Sound Bites Of Justice
Will crowdfunding change our justice system? Before the internet, a criminally accused individual’s ability to raise legal defense funds was limited. Often, they were supported by their family, friends, and local institutions. With the advent of crowdfunding applications combined with the internet’s reach, an accused’s ability to raise sums has become amplified. Presently, the entireContinue reading “Sound Bites Of Justice”
The Second Rail: In Justice
Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? Martin Luther, King, Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail The Prophets revealed the three rails of a Ten Commandments’ based society- In truth, in justice and in righteousness. Citizens, conservative or liberal, must engage in debate and constructive measures toContinue reading “The Second Rail: In Justice”
The Icing On The Decalogue’s Cake: Shoftim
My wife loves to make up rules. While in scripture the laws often are preceded by “and the Lord spoke to Moses,” for me, the words “from now on…” often initiates a session of marital legislation at most likely an inopportune time. Who makes laws while struck driving on the 405! For me, matrimonial governmentContinue reading “The Icing On The Decalogue’s Cake: Shoftim”
The Ten Commandments Project 