A Hanukkah Ten Commandments’ Moment: Covenant Signs Matter

I saw the sign And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign Ace of Base Biblical Covenants can include signs. From Noah’s Post-Flood World to Abraham to the Children of Israel on Mt. Sinai, each of these eternal God-Human accords have a symbol. Thus, seeing a rainbow or attending a bris [ritual circumcisionContinue reading “A Hanukkah Ten Commandments’ Moment: Covenant Signs Matter”

In the Beginning, There Was Controversy: Bereshit’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

In the beginning, controversy was created. While the divergent creation narratives perplex readers, the Pentateuch’s first portion also ignites a Ten Commandments’ debate. The rationale for Sabbath observance’s is at issue. The Sabbath Sabbath observance, a central feature of the Ten Commandments, is allegedly Creation Narrative inspired. The Portion Bereshit famously notes: “And in theContinue reading “In the Beginning, There Was Controversy: Bereshit’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Nitzavim: Of Rabbit Holes & Rashi: A Ten Commandments’ Moment

The Torah Portion Nitzavim starts with a beautiful passage advancing the Ten Commandments’ collective nature. This post explores whether the collective theme’s passage contains a hidden message. The Nitzavim passage is as follows: “You’re standing today, all of you, in front of the Lord, your God- your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers,Continue reading “Nitzavim: Of Rabbit Holes & Rashi: A Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Speculation on Fire: Vayakhel’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

On a neighborhood walk, my wife and I smelled smoke. Opposite the sunset, I viewed an ominous purple sky. My mind percolated with thoughts of another apocalyptic wildfire. An elbow to my ribs evaporated my mental state. My wife, who had been looking in the other direction, pointed to our neighbor’s bellowing chimney. Scholars, forContinue reading “Speculation on Fire: Vayakhel’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

The Sabbath, Ki Tisa & Capitalism: A Ten Commandments’ Moment

“And you shall observe the Sabbath, because it is a holy thing to you.” Exodus 31:14 Before God’s finger inscribed the Ten Commandments onto stone tablets, Sabbath laws were known. The Torah Portion Ki Tisa extensively touched upon the Sabbath. Ki Tisa presents as an opportunity to discuss the Sabbath’s interaction with Capitalism. Can theContinue reading “The Sabbath, Ki Tisa & Capitalism: A Ten Commandments’ Moment”

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”

In The Beginning, There Was Separation: Breisheit’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

Most recently, the “work ethic” value is on life support. Societal figures along with their social policy agenda are standing at the bedside in the ICU of the long held belief. There appears to be some excitement to finally pull the plug on this ancient core value. The signs of the decline is evidenced byContinue reading “In The Beginning, There Was Separation: Breisheit’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Sabbath Morning Quarterback

On Yom Kippur, I came across an article discussing commandment fulfillment. It addressed how the changing world plays a role. The impetus for these thoughts was the chaotic period of post-World War I. It noted that “[i]n such times, even imperfect mitzvos [commandments] are of relatively great value before God, because they come at suchContinue reading “Sabbath Morning Quarterback”

A Prophet’s Revealing Ten Commandments’ Moment

Unlike other prophetic books Jeremiah’s richly addresses the Ten Commandments. Understanding both the book’s content as well as the Prophet’s background allows one to appreciate Jeremiah’s significance. Upon review, it is easy to see that the Prophet is one of the most compelling post-Torah scriptural figures. While Jeremiah’s writings are outside of the Pentateuch, thereContinue reading “A Prophet’s Revealing Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Behar, The Greater Sabbath

The Torah Portion Behar expands upon the notion of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is greater concept than the one expressed within the Ten Commandments. While resting remains central, the Sabbath’s target and duration has changed. With the Decalogue, Humans and Working Animals were to afforded to day off. This was in accord that the IsraeliteContinue reading “Behar, The Greater Sabbath”