Beshalach’s Ten Commandments Moments

The Torah Portion Beshalach- which takes place in the height of the Exodus- contain three Ten Commandments’ moments worthy of discussion. The portion takes place as the Children of Israel depart from Egypt, the Children of Israel experience salvation in the parting of the Red Sea. Also, for the first time, they receive the mystery food calledContinue reading “Beshalach’s Ten Commandments Moments”

A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Emissary

From a Ten Commandments’ perspective, The Book of Judges represents the Dark Ages.  Agenda driven, Judges’ tales told pull no punches in detailing generations of a dystopian society; a society lacking a formal government.   Judges’ ends with the epic line: “in those days there was no king in Israel; a man could do whatever seemedContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Emissary”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Mt. Ebal

Ten Commandments’ moments aren’t simply the words carved into the two tablets.  The words themselves do not entirely capture the Ten Commandments’ meaning. The events surrounding the transmission of the commandments are also integral to Ten Commandments’ values. The Mt. Ebal ceremony in the Book of Joshua evidences this assertion.   The Book of Joshua chronologically presents itselfContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Mt. Ebal”

Influencer Challenge: Va’eira

Are you an influencer? Do you think you are an influencer? Are you succeeding or are you failing? Va’eira’s tale involves one of the world’s greatest influencers hitting a road block. He, at the outset of his campaign, cannot influence anybody. Somehow, this disappointing start does not stop his success. His disastrous encounter was tantamount to one’s first woodpress post in wordpressContinue reading “Influencer Challenge: Va’eira”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The City of Jericho Controversy

Karate Men Bruise on the Inside So That They Don’t Show Their Weakness Eddie Murphy, Trading Places While Jericho’s walls falling down is a spectacular Book of Joshua moment, the timing of the City’s taking gives rise to a Ten Commandments’ controversy.  The Master of the Universe says to Joshua: “See, I have delivered intoContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The City of Jericho Controversy”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Gibeonites

With the Torah’s completion and all 613 Commandments in writing, the Children of Israel’s tale- post-Pentateuch- continues. As Joshua leads them through the conquest of the Promised Land, he is also confronted with issues of commandment adherence, interpretation. This post addresses the Gibeonite crisis.  Fearful of the Children of Israel and what they had done toContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Gibeonites”

Who Am I? Shemot

“Who am I?” Moses Exodus 3:11 In the throes of the New Year’s celebration, the Torah Portion Shemot offers a relevant moment for resolution makers.  Moses- in his Burning Bush encounter on Mt. Sinai- when tasked by the Almighty to deliver the Children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, asks “Who am I?” Exodus 3:11 “Who amContinue reading “Who Am I? Shemot”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Achan

With the Torah complete, the Children of Israel, through Joshua’s leadership, begin their conquest of the Promised Land. Beyond territorial acquisition, governance is required which involves the adherence to the Torah’s commandments. The Book of Joshua tackles the complexities of implementing Mosiac Law during unsettled times. This post concerns Achan’s theft. There is much going onContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Achan”

The Ten Commandments & The Book of Joshua

The Book of Torah shall not depart from your mouth; rather you should contemplate it day and night in order that you observe to do according to all that is written in it God The Hebrew Bible’s first book, post-Torah, is The Book of Joshua. While the text is most well-known for the conquest ofContinue reading “The Ten Commandments & The Book of Joshua”

Of Dreams: Mikeitz

my eyes fixated on the blue book resting on the tiny lecture hall foldable desk. having exerted maximum mental effort, the test was over; the flimsy pamphlet was closed. i looked up; the cavernous hall was empty. looking down, i was naked. panic ensued as i contemplated how i was going navigate through the busy campusContinue reading “Of Dreams: Mikeitz”