The Torah Portion Pinchas is a study of the moment. With moments, we might wax poetically. After all, moments are the moments in which something special happens. This something special happens in time. Thus, it is a moment. We, however, does not have to engage in such frivolity to make a point. Rather, the eventsContinue reading “Moments”
Category Archives: torah
Changing Narratives: Balak
Due to the attempted assassination of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, I thought it would be fruitless exercise to finish and post anything this weekend. An act of political violence which left one spectator killed and two others were seriously wounded certainly consumes a country’s psyche. With this event, the talking heads abound have come forwardContinue reading “Changing Narratives: Balak”
Polemic Pedagogy: Learning from The Hebrew “Greek Tragedy” of Chukat
Animal species’ ability to teach creates a competitive advantage. Outside of Humans, Parrots and Corvids most notably enjoy success by their ability to share and transfer knowledge. One comical moment of this pedagogy comes from African Grey Parrots. At an animal park, some salty speaking African Greys caused problems. After these foul-mouthed birds realized thatContinue reading “Polemic Pedagogy: Learning from The Hebrew “Greek Tragedy” of Chukat”
The Art of Leading: Korach, A Ten Commandments’ Moment
” The Lord said to Moses: Put Aaron’s staff back in front of the Testimony as a keepsake [and] a sign for rebellious ones. Then their complaints against Me will end and they will not die.” Numbers 17:25 Shortly after passing the bar examination, lawyers are promptly sworn-in and can immediately practice law. Despite havingContinue reading “The Art of Leading: Korach, A Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Lies of Spies
Lies can be impactful. They can shape a nation’s fate. When articulated by the well-respected, they are particularly dangerous. Deception is a form of lying; it uniquely provides the employer the cover of deniability. The polemical Torah Portion Shelach captures a nation suffering severe consequences as a result of deception. Shelach’s tale begins with MosesContinue reading “The Lies of Spies”
Art as a History Lesson
The art of your enemy is sometimes your friend In 81 CE, the Roman Arch of Titus was unveiled. The artwork- a monument-commemorated the Roman Empire’s 71 CE victory over the Judean Rebellion in the Levant. During the conflict, in 71 CE, the Judean’s Second Temple was destroyed. The Judean’s original Temple, the Temple ofContinue reading “Art as a History Lesson”
Shavuot: A Reflection On The Ultimate Ten Commandments’ Moment
This week, Shavuot is celebrated. It is a two day holiday. In conjunction with the festival commemorating the giving of the Ten Commandments and the Law, the famous Torah from Exodus is read. It contains the Ten Commandments. Beyond the Torah reading, the holiday is also celebrated with Torah study. While the Decalogue’s content, inContinue reading “Shavuot: A Reflection On The Ultimate Ten Commandments’ Moment”
What’s In A Name? Bamidbar
The Torah Portion Bamidbar, while describing a head count, goes no to list a large number of individual’s names. Biblical names were defining; names, as we learn from the Torah, have currency. The best example of a defining name comes from Moses’ Burning Bush encounter. Moses queries God as to what name he should provideContinue reading “What’s In A Name? Bamidbar”
The Bible In Four Words
Hillel, the revered Talmudic figure, was once queried by a Roman concerning Judaism. The Roman asked the Rabbi to teach him Judaism while standing on one foot. Hillel told him “that which is hateful unto you, do not do unto your neighbor, that is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this- goContinue reading “The Bible In Four Words”
The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai
Contracts can be life-changing. As such, an attorney’s deep understanding of the parties allows for them to negotiate a “win-win” deal. Thus, knowing who you are dealing with is part of the artistry of the deal. In a divorce matter, I offered a husband advice concerning the dissolution’s last controversy. It involved the division ofContinue reading “The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai”
The Ten Commandments Project 