To understand the Israelite class structure, the concept of a superorganism should be considered. A superorganism is neither “super” nor is it a mere “organism,” rather, it is the recognition that a species or group can depart from individuality. Superorganisms are societies which function as an organic whole. A biological concept tied to it isContinue reading “Bamidbar: Superorganism?”
Category Archives: richard elliott friedman
Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Punishments are mysteriously absent from the Ten Commandments. The “shall not’s” are not accompanied by prescribed penalties. The Torah Portion Vayikra, however, begins to address commandment violation punishments. The remedies for sin, per Vayikra, are in the form of animal sacrifice and grain offerings. According to Richard Elliott Friedman, the sacrifice’s purpose was to recognizeContinue reading “Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Top Ten? The Big Ten? Yitro
“As horrible as this is (especially in light the Aqedah), it conveys the seriousness of this commandment and of the principle that the Ten Commandments outweigh other laws.” Richard Elliott Friedman, Commentary on The Torah In legal systems, some laws override others. For example, the United States essentially has two forms of law- State andContinue reading “The Top Ten? The Big Ten? Yitro”
Who Actually Wrote the Bible? Questions and Answers From Prof. William M. Schniedewind
For Hebrew Bible lovers, Richard Elliott Friedman’s Who Wrote The Bible and Jacob Wright’s Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins are popular reads. While both scholars- in both text and interviews- speak of scribes’ role in the Bible’s development, they do not elaborate too much on these mostly unknownContinue reading “Who Actually Wrote the Bible? Questions and Answers From Prof. William M. Schniedewind”
Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May”
Legalese is full of magical incantation; alchemous word precision can secure financial victory or exact an extended incarceration. With these stakes, Judges and Lawyers use their words wisely. Ambiguity within legalese is the murky moat of despair. As such, translations of legal works can serve as bucketfuls of polluted moat water. Unclear, imprecise and biasedContinue reading “Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May””
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”
A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Achan
With the Torah complete, the Children of Israel, through Joshua’s leadership, begin their conquest of the Promised Land. Beyond territorial acquisition, governance is required which involves the adherence to the Torah’s commandments. The Book of Joshua tackles the complexities of implementing Mosiac Law during unsettled times. This post concerns Achan’s theft. There is much going onContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Achan”
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?”
Richard Elliott Friedman’s “The Exodus” In Review
as a lawyer, one of my most exhilarating moment was a special hearing i did on behalf of a friend who was a client. the hearing was essentially a trial and appellate argument combined. all of my lawyering skills were taxed. it represented a culmination of years of study, practice and research. it was myContinue reading “Richard Elliott Friedman’s “The Exodus” In Review”
He Thought Cinco De Mayo Was His Birthday: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
cinco de mayo commemorates mexico’s victory in the battle of puebla against the french in 1862. in california, the mexican holiday is celebrated much like st. patrick’s day. a large segment of population are moved to consume both ethnic fare and beverage. years ago, it has been told that, on the 5th of may, aContinue reading “He Thought Cinco De Mayo Was His Birthday: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The Ten Commandments Project 