Beshalach’s Ten Commandments Moments

The Torah Portion Beshalach- which takes place in the height of the Exodus- contain three Ten Commandments’ moments worthy of discussion. The portion takes place as the Children of Israel depart from Egypt, the Children of Israel experience salvation in the parting of the Red Sea. Also, for the first time, they receive the mystery food calledContinue reading “Beshalach’s Ten Commandments Moments”

Should MLK, Jr. Day Be Replaced With George Floyd Day? The Portion Bo

Given this topsy turvy tiktoker world, if there was a binary choice, would our emerging generations choose a George Floyd day in lieu of a MLK, Jr. day? Over the past years, I have witnessed, in a variety of arenas, immense reverence towards Mr. Floyd. Recently, I attended virtually attended a medical school graduation fromContinue reading “Should MLK, Jr. Day Be Replaced With George Floyd Day? The Portion Bo”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Assembly

The Book of Joshua’s last chapter serves as one of the most important post-Torah Ten Commandments’ moments.  In world history, there are few people and few concepts that can extend within human memory past one generation. Creating an eternal legacy is perhaps one of the most difficult of human achievements. The evidence of this is a simple test,Continue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Assembly”

Influencer Challenge: Va’eira

Are you an influencer? Do you think you are an influencer? Are you succeeding or are you failing? Va’eira’s tale involves one of the world’s greatest influencers hitting a road block. He, at the outset of his campaign, cannot influence anybody. Somehow, this disappointing start does not stop his success. His disastrous encounter was tantamount to one’s first woodpress post in wordpressContinue reading “Influencer Challenge: Va’eira”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The City of Jericho Controversy

Karate Men Bruise on the Inside So That They Don’t Show Their Weakness Eddie Murphy, Trading Places While Jericho’s walls falling down is a spectacular Book of Joshua moment, the timing of the City’s taking gives rise to a Ten Commandments’ controversy.  The Master of the Universe says to Joshua: “See, I have delivered intoContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The City of Jericho Controversy”

Shemot’s Ten Commandments’ Moments

Two epic Ten Commandments’ moments happen in the Shemot Torah portion. “Shemot”, in hebrew, means names. While the title refers to the names of the Children of Israel who went down to Egypt, the Torah Portion contains bigger names. Shemot also reveals the first commandment’s background story. The Burning Bush encounter in Shemot includes a historical introduction:Continue reading “Shemot’s Ten Commandments’ Moments”

Who Am I? Shemot

“Who am I?” Moses Exodus 3:11 In the throes of the New Year’s celebration, the Torah Portion Shemot offers a relevant moment for resolution makers.  Moses- in his Burning Bush encounter on Mt. Sinai- when tasked by the Almighty to deliver the Children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, asks “Who am I?” Exodus 3:11 “Who amContinue reading “Who Am I? Shemot”

Should God’s Understanding Matter With Torah Interpretation?

professor richard elliott friedman, in his commentary on the torah, pages 180-181, as well as in his book the exodus and in his lectures, tackles the famous passage of describing moses as being “heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue”. this passage- part of the exchange between the master of the universe and moses duringContinue reading “Should God’s Understanding Matter With Torah Interpretation?”

Casting A Song

this week’s torah portion- haazinu- is moses’ departing song to the children of israel. this moment highlights music’s connection to cultural memory. the bible’s earliest portions, as recognized by scholars, are songs. two of the most important being the song of the sea and the song of deborah. while we cannot re-telling oration at theContinue reading “Casting A Song”

Attention? Ki Tavo

if a ufo landed on earth and an extra terrestrial emerged with the mission to study religion, perhaps they would decide to attend a traditional jewish prayer saturday morning service. without knowing the language, they would experience a few moments in which the would witness an arroused congregation. they would see a few moments ofContinue reading “Attention? Ki Tavo”