Before Exodus’ desert wandering, there was readers’ wondering. Prior to Moses’ Burning Bush encounter in which he was conscripted by Israelite Deity to stage a national liberation, the Torah Portion Shemot delivers one of scripture’s most perplexing passages. This enigmatic passage, however, when viewed through Decalogue- themed lenses, unlocks enlightenment. Speculation, in the instance, isContinue reading “The Art of Speculation? Shemot”
Category Archives: ten commandments
The Evolution of Swearing: Vayechi
And He said, “I’ll do according to your word.” And He said, “Swear to me” And he swore to him. Genesis 47:30 Everyone needs assurances. Promises often can be confounded by failing human memory, distraction, or a change of circumstances. Assurances, in scripture, were taken to the next level via oath or a swearing. TheContinue reading “The Evolution of Swearing: Vayechi”
Idol Reflections: Vayishlach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
The Torah Portion analysis should never be done in isolation. The Portion Vayishlach connect intimately with both past and future Torah Portions. Merging the texts unleashes deep context which includes a Ten Commandments’ moment. Vayishlach’s Decalogue moment happens at a time of crisis. Jacob’s sons Simeon and Levi’s committed horrendous acts, the Jacob must respond.Continue reading “Idol Reflections: Vayishlach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Introduction: Vayetze’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Like the Pine Trees lining the road, I’ve got a name, I’ve got a name Jim Croce What’s in an introduction? The Torah Portion Vayetze culminates the Deity’s introduction and covenanting with the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. These past introductions reveal the Decalogue’s introduction as barrier breaking. The third and final Patriarchal introduction reportedContinue reading “The Introduction: Vayetze’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
A Father’s Plan: A Lech Lecha Ten Commandments’ Moment?
The Lech Lecha Torah Portion cannot be read in isolation. Immediately prior to it, the Torah passages provide a contextual dimension to Abraham. These pre-Lech Lecha facts are often not addressed in extra-biblical renditions of the story. They may, however, reveal Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ connection like other Book of Genesis passages. Before “Lech Lecha”,Continue reading “A Father’s Plan: A Lech Lecha Ten Commandments’ Moment?”
Seven? Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Before the Ten Commandments, there were the Seven Noahide laws. We learn of them in the Torah Portion Noah. The Portion Noah richly chronicles the tale of the famous ark builder and animal wrangler. The passages include the famous flood story, a dove with an olive branch, and an amazing rainbow. The rainbow, in thatContinue reading “Seven? Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
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”
A Matter of Interpretation? Simchat Torah’s Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
What is the most important skill one learn from the Hebrew Bible? One answer is the ability to interpret. By interpret, I do not mean the act of translation. Rather, interpretation is the act of engaging with words to extract meaning. In doing so, perhaps an individual can obtain a better understanding the author’s words.Continue reading “A Matter of Interpretation? Simchat Torah’s Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
A Very Ten Commandments’ Moment: This Sukkot’s Saturday Torah Portion
An epic Ten Commandments’ moment occurred in last Saturday’s Sukkot Torah Portion reading. While the entire Portion is an essential scriptural read (Exodus 33:12-34:26), there is one revealing Decalogue-related passage. Words Alone? Is the Ten Commandments just simply about the words? Or, is there something about the commandments that is beyond the words? The SukkotContinue reading “A Very Ten Commandments’ Moment: This Sukkot’s Saturday Torah Portion”
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”
The Ten Commandments Project 