These go to eleven Nigel Tufnel Moses, in the Ha’Azinu Torah Portion, lectures to the Children of Israel their covenantal responsibilities. In his speech, Moses raises parental responsibilities of the requirement to teach their progeny the commandments. While the Decalogue served as a Community Code of Conduct, the Commandments did not fully lay out theContinue reading “Ha’Azinu’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Category Archives: torah
Who’s Testing Who? The Akedah
Who’s actually being tested with the Akedah? Rosh Hashanah’s Second Day Torah Portion feature the famous Binding of Isaac. With its holiday reading, Abraham is not tested for his near sacrifice of his son Isaac. His test was a few thousands of years ago on Mt. Moriah. Rather, those presently reading, listening, and discussing theContinue reading “Who’s Testing Who? The Akedah”
Well, Well, Well: A Rosh Hashanah Tale
During the holiday season, sometimes we have to be the “bigger” person. Being largesse is often necessary during the High Holiday season. Rosh Hashanah- the New Year- and Yom Kippur- the Day of Atonement- often come with close encounters of the uncomfortable kind. This especially happens on neutral grounds; synagogues and places of worship. Frankly,Continue reading “Well, Well, Well: A Rosh Hashanah Tale”
In Abstentia: Nitzavim
We were all at Mt. Sinai To fully understand the Ten Commandments, one must not only explore the law, but also the spirituality attached to it. Legally, the Decalogue presents as a contract; a covenant. With contracts, there are parties. The Ten Commandments’ two parties are God and the Children of Israel. These two areContinue reading “In Abstentia: Nitzavim”
Forbidden Fruit? Ki Tavo
Deuteronomy’s Garden of Eden connection is undeniable. The Torah’s beginning and ending theologically converge in Ki Tavo’s fruit-filled moment. A particular Ki Tavo commandment addresses an ultimate Torah issue. It brings a greater understanding of God’s role with humanity. In the end, Ki Tavo breathes new understanding into the Tree of Knowledge of Good andContinue reading “Forbidden Fruit? Ki Tavo”
The Bigger Picture: Ki Teitzei
What is the Torah’s Big Picture? The answer can be achieved by making sense of a one particular perplexing commandment from the Torah Portion Ki Teitzei. Before doing so, one must understand that the Pentateuch, some opine, was intended to be a nation’s law. To accomplish this goal, the Torah is crafted with commandments thatContinue reading “The Bigger Picture: Ki Teitzei”
Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate? Ki Teitzei
Is procrastination a commandment violation? The Torah Portion Ki Teizei addresses this put-off subject tied to the Decalogue. In a passage exploring the significance of the passage of time, the Ten Commandments becomes relevant. Beyond excoriating the usual suspects- all of us who delay fulfilling commitments, the Torah implores people to do one of theContinue reading “Thou Shalt Not Procrastinate? Ki Teitzei”
Failure Was Academic: Shoftim
Can scriptural interpretation’s depth be enhanced by both personal experience and education? Is it possible to become a better student? A Torah Portion Shoftim analysis can answer these questions. Education My undergraduate studies, legal studies, and life circumstances offer a unique perspective to a Shoftim Torah Portion passage which addresses academics. The passage reveals theContinue reading “Failure Was Academic: Shoftim”
Re-eh: The Realities of Reality
Brother, can you spare a dime? Bing Crosby Truth, justice and righteousness are the cries of the Hebrew Bible Prophets. Jeremiah 4:2. Committing a righteous act, sometimes, isn’t easy. This is particularly the case when it comes to a troubling Torah Portion Re-eh Commandment concerning indigency. Addressing an indigent’s needs proves quite problematic with theContinue reading “Re-eh: The Realities of Reality”
The False Prophet: A Biblical Literacy Moment
False prophets? How do we know? The Torah Portion Re’eh defines a false scriptural prophet. Not only does Re’eh address the deity-prophet relationship, but it also addresses the biblical concepts of both testing as well as an individual’s heart. Given the multitude of issues raised within the passage, understanding the prophets’ bona fides within theContinue reading “The False Prophet: A Biblical Literacy Moment”
The Ten Commandments Project 