The Jewish Gilligan’s Island? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

just sit right down and you’ll hear a tale…the tale of some shipwrecked jews? was it a gilligan’s island scenario? one of the first syndicated television show was gilligan’s island and is part of american culture. generations of kids, at a time when there was only network tv, consumed countless hours of the show alongContinue reading “The Jewish Gilligan’s Island? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

A Mysterious Coincidence? The New Mexico Ten Commandments & Crypto-Judaism: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

there are mysteries and there are mysteries. the new mexican stone carved version of ten commandments is a matter for the sleuths. the stone is also known as the los lunas inscription. with no individual or group having made claim to its creation, there is the great unknown. who wrote this version of the decalogueContinue reading “A Mysterious Coincidence? The New Mexico Ten Commandments & Crypto-Judaism: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Did Chanukah Rededicate the Ten Commandments? A Ten Commandment’s Tale

author yonaton adler just published his book the origins of judaism: an archeological-historical reappraisal. the book used archeology and ancient texts to search as to the beginning of when torah based judaism was practiced. academia.edu in an interview, he made an interesting observation. mr. adler commented upon the hasmonean dynasty. this dynasty which is theContinue reading “Did Chanukah Rededicate the Ten Commandments? A Ten Commandment’s Tale”

A Teacher’s Gift: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

as a religious educator, i was always in search of the “new,” “interesting,” “humorous,” and “thought provoking” as far as material; student engagement and participation is often the sign of success. as a student, i enjoyed moments when the teacher solicited everyone’s opinion on a particular topic or story. religious teachers received a story whichContinue reading “A Teacher’s Gift: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

The Third 10 Commandments? A Skeptical Impression: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

we often deceive ourselves. we see things. we see things that we should appreciate as problems. we see other things which cause us to ignore the reality. this deception can occur in dating. while searching for the perfect match, certain flaws are ignored or put aside. likewise, this occurs with people buying items not fromContinue reading “The Third 10 Commandments? A Skeptical Impression: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Does The Book Of Genesis Explain Why There Are Two Versions Of The Ten Commandments? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

both exodus and deuteronomy contain versions of the ten commandments. there are differences between the two. one notable difference is in the sabbath commandment. the sabbath commandments offer different reasons for the sabbath. the one in exodus explains that shabbat is to commemorate the creation of the world and god’s resting on the seventh day.Continue reading “Does The Book Of Genesis Explain Why There Are Two Versions Of The Ten Commandments? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

A Commandment With Due Dilligence? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

scholars, such as professor richard elliott friedman, point to the toldot torah portion with respect to the commandment prohibiting the use of god’s name in vain. in toldot, isaac, deceived, erroneously blesses jacob. the blessing was intended for esau, isaac’s first born child. professor friedman essentially points out that, in biblical times, when you usedContinue reading “A Commandment With Due Dilligence? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

The Modern Shema? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

the shema refers to one of the most famous lines in the torah: “hear o israel, the lord our god, the lord is one.” deuteronomy 6:4. one particular utterance of the shema is cemented in history. rabbi akiva, who lived under roman occupation, openly defied their prohibition of teaching the torah. as a result, heContinue reading “The Modern Shema? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

The Moses Accords? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

from all appearances, the abraham accords have been a success. arab nations and israel have been able to work, cooperate and build a flourishing middle east. sharing abraham’s values which include monotheism and hospitality leads to truth. while islam and judaism are different religions, two tid-bits are revealing. muslim’s practicing halal, not able to getContinue reading “The Moses Accords? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

The Godfather? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn’t need a friend like me. Now you come and say “Don Corleone, give me justice.” But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship.Continue reading “The Godfather? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”