after reading professor yonatan adler’s book, the origins of judaism‘s conclusion concerning when wide-spread torah based judaism began, i was reminded of the star trek original series episode the omega glory. in discussing this topic, dr. alder identifies the period of the jewish-greek rebellion as the point at which wide-spread judaism observance occurred. the rebellion’sContinue reading “Did A Science Fiction Story [Sort Of] Capture a Non-Fiction Moment? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Category Archives: torah
Why The Story of Chanukah Is Not Bible-Worthy: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
the chanukah tale, as told in the books of the macabees, is not part of the hebrew bible. did the ten commandments play a role in such decision? one of the bible’s themes is that the children of israel place themselves in danger when they abandon religious practices. the chanukah story includes a disturbing momentContinue reading “Why The Story of Chanukah Is Not Bible-Worthy: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The Intentional & Unintentional Manufacturing of Conflict: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
our actions and others create conflict. much conflict is of one’s own, conscious or unconscious. the vayeishev torah portion for this week shows how prior event and actions create major conflict. vayeishev famously contains the tale of the “coat of many colors” and, for this post, joseph being subduing by his brothers and being takenContinue reading “The Intentional & Unintentional Manufacturing of Conflict: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Does The Book Of Genesis Explain Why There Are Two Versions Of The Ten Commandments? A Ten Commandments’ Tale
both exodus and deuteronomy contain versions of the ten commandments. there are differences between the two. one notable difference is in the sabbath commandment. the sabbath commandments offer different reasons for the sabbath. the one in exodus explains that shabbat is to commemorate the creation of the world and god’s resting on the seventh day.Continue reading “Does The Book Of Genesis Explain Why There Are Two Versions Of The Ten Commandments? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Honoring A Loss: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
long before the ten commandments, two brothers, filled with jealousy and conflict, created a legacy. for them, beyond their issues with each other, family relations and historical destiny separated them. in a time of loss, these two placed their personal grievances aside. for a moment, the space time continuum was filled with honor and peace.Continue reading “Honoring A Loss: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Unpeeling The Onion: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
this blog is promotional. posts point to materials and concepts with the intent that the reader may be inspired to learn more. the bible and bible-based religion is essentially a massive onion. there are many layers. in one’s lifetime, it is likely that all of the layers may not be pulled back. learning and reachingContinue reading “Unpeeling The Onion: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Are Beginnings & Endings The Same? A Simchat Torah Tale
are beginnings and endings are really the same? can emotions provide the answer? the simchat torah holiday celebrates the ending and the beginning of the annual reading the torah. the physical torah scroll, not its words, perhaps answers some of our inquiry. the scroll or parchment made of animal skin is connected to two woodenContinue reading “Are Beginnings & Endings The Same? A Simchat Torah Tale”
A Portion of “Real” Justice: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
in modern times, the word “justice” has been replaced with the word “social justice.” are they the same? upon my frequent visits to my former law school, “social justice” is often referenced in speeches concerning the school’s goals and aspirations. “justice” for justice’s sake, is never mentioned. this week’s torah portion, shoftim, offers historic pronouncementsContinue reading “A Portion of “Real” Justice: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The “Great Delegation”: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
organizations and business have structures. the master of the universe, after creating humanity, understood that a structure was required for it to prosper. many organizations have a pyramid structure. there are leaders on the top with it expanding out to members at the bottom. the leader passes directives onto others. this delegation allows for theContinue reading “The “Great Delegation”: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The Author Who Doesn’t Understand What A Book Is? A Ten Commandments’ Tale
author mr. shalom auslander made news with his controversial new york times’ opinion piece. he proposed “in this time of war, i propose we give up god.” in the piece, he claims a religious upbringing and being taught by a rabbi. the ny times accompanies the piece with unflattering depictions of god in an actContinue reading “The Author Who Doesn’t Understand What A Book Is? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The Ten Commandments Project 