Will the judge of all the earth not do justice? Genesis 18:25 Deep theological moments blow up in the Torah Portion Vayera. While Vayera tiptoes on an ultimate question of Why do bad things happen to good people?, the portion formidably speaks to the value of community. In Vayera, an exceptionable Torah passage peers intoContinue reading “The Great Compromise? Vayera”
Category Archives: ten commandments
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”
Ha’ Azinu’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: God
If God didn’t exist, he would have been invented Voltaire God is perhaps the Ten Commandments’ most controversial subject. Poetry from the Torah Portion Ha’Azinu provides Prophetic insight into the divine being. Moses’ depictions provide much understanding of the Israelite Deity. Moses’ lifetime observations takes readers to the heights of Mt. Sinai to unlock theContinue reading “Ha’ Azinu’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: God”
The Rosh Hashonah Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Get up. Carry the boy and hold him in your hand, because I shall make him a big nation. Genesis 21: 23 The Rosh Hashonah Torah Portion tackles both matters of faith and covenant. Abraham, in the portion, is embroiled in a familial crisis. He must deal with competing maternal interests. Sarah, his wife, isContinue reading “The Rosh Hashonah Torah Portion’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”
Ki Teitzei: Bad Boys
“A question is due to knowing too little, to a desire to know more; a problem is often due to knowing too much.” Abraham J. Heschel The Torah’s controversial “bad boy” passage in the Portion Ki Teitzei fortuitously came. Within the past month, I had began reading two books on point. Abraham J. Heschel’s “WhoContinue reading “Ki Teitzei: Bad Boys”
Re’eh’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: Of Monotheism and Monolatry
The Torah Portion Re-eh presents as a rare opportunity to address the top parts of the Ten Commandments. Shortly after this event, the Children of Israel’s covenant with their Israelite God will take a new dimension. They will become a nation. Tied to being this conceived nation is fidelity towards their God. This post exploresContinue reading “Re’eh’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: Of Monotheism and Monolatry”
In Search of Moral Intelligence In the Age of AI: Going Postal in July
In trying to complete a July blog post, I ran into an AI brick wall. My one-man-blogging-band broke up! My AI band mates dropped me like I was Pete Best, Ozzie Osborne or Don Felder. Oh my! My blog’s lyrics were apparently bad. I used a naughty word- the “K” word. Yes. Somehow, I brokeContinue reading “In Search of Moral Intelligence In the Age of AI: Going Postal in July”
Lasting Impressions: Eikev
All that is gold does not glitter JRR Tolkien Years ago, a good friend invited me to a Hollywood Bowl concert. His box seats were close to the orchestra pit. Before Bowl peformances, it customary for box holders to picnicofteny bring out their fancy baskets and indulge in every imaginable delicacy and imbibe with fineContinue reading “Lasting Impressions: Eikev”
The Secular Ten Commandments: Core Community Values
Out of a fiery Mt. Sinai, the Ten Commandments forged a covenant set in stone. At the moment, there was an accord. After that moment, it became something else. Since Mt. Sinai to the present, the Decalogue has become valued as an individual’s code of conduct. It remains, however, serving a greater purpose. The covenantContinue reading “The Secular Ten Commandments: Core Community Values”
The Ten Commandments Project 