The Icing On The Decalogue’s Cake: Shoftim

My wife loves to make up rules. While in scripture the laws often are preceded by “and the Lord spoke to Moses,” for me, the words “from now on…” often initiates a session of marital legislation at most likely an inopportune time. Who makes laws while struck driving on the 405! For me, matrimonial governmentContinue reading “The Icing On The Decalogue’s Cake: Shoftim”

Of Crossing Over? Re’eh

I walk the line Johnny Cash Life comes with beginnings:  a new school, a new job, a new love of one’s life. With the new comes the unknown.  While we may possess some rudimentary grasp of what is to become, the unknown remains an element with each and every new encounter.  What will the newContinue reading “Of Crossing Over? Re’eh”

An Eleventh Commandment? A Personal Proposal

I was once like you are now and I know that it’s not easy Cat Stevens Sometimes life is simply better with an eleven. For Spinal Tap fans, they all know that when things need to get a rockin’ at the next level, the amp knob is turned from ten to eleven. For the luckyContinue reading “An Eleventh Commandment? A Personal Proposal”

In The Beginning, There Was Hebrew School

While teaching their respective university classes, two renowned Hebrew Bible Scholars exposed themselves as to their humble beginnings. At Yale Divinity School, Professor and Author Joel Baden, when lecturing on the Book of Genesis’ dual flood narratives, broke out into a fine rendition of “Noah, he built em, he built em, an arky arky…” AtContinue reading “In The Beginning, There Was Hebrew School”

Superman & The Ten Commandments

Truth, Justice & The American Way Mottos can brilliantly reduce complex matters into a simple phrase. With just a few words, a great motto captures the essence of a person, a place, or a thing. Mottos are ubiquitous. Around Los Angeles, “to Protect and to Serve” is emblazoned upon police vehicles. Once upon a timeContinue reading “Superman & The Ten Commandments”

The Power of the Word- Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

You think that I don’t even mean a single word I say, it’s only words and words are all I have Bee Gees Words are not equal. In the world of scripture, it is even possible to assert the word “equal” is not equal to itself! In antiquity, perhaps due to the combination literacy rate,Continue reading “The Power of the Word- Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

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”

Going Postal: A Recap of Recent Writings

Like a plastic bag drifting through the wind, this Blog goes in many places and directions. Thus, I would like to address the recent ongoing themes. In current affairs, Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law requiring the Decalogue’s posting in public school classrooms is a natural for the blog. While I am a lawyer who has wonContinue reading “Going Postal: A Recap of Recent Writings”

Is Preference Lost In Translation?

With Louisiana’s Ten Commandments’ Law requiring the posting in public school classrooms moving towards enaction, critics are raising concern that the language used for the Commandments’ sign constitutes a form of “choice”. In essence, the “choice” of words constituted a preference towards a particular religion or religious sect. “Choice”, in this instance, is nonsensical. TheContinue reading “Is Preference Lost In Translation?”

A Secular Education Lesson Plan for The Ten Commandments: Law vs. Moral Code

Originally, the Ten Commandments served as part of the Legal Code for the Israelite Nation. The Ten Commandments was an important legal document for the country. It was if the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and other laws were placed all into one document. The Ten Commandments include matters involving morals and values.Continue reading “A Secular Education Lesson Plan for The Ten Commandments: Law vs. Moral Code”