In Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Keanu Reeves’ real co-star was time machine. In the most epic of movies, famous historical figures were taken from the past and transported to San Dimas, California. There, they participated in the most outstanding high school history project ever. Assuming you had a time machine for Passover, which historicalContinue reading “Bill & Ted’s Most Excellent Seder”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Tipping…Point
Some books have an interesting shelf-life. Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point is one of them. His book from 2000 on the viral nature of human interaction is still a worthy read. The book is full of research and observations that remain relevant. Peer influence is the subject for this post. In Gladwell’s book, he madeContinue reading “Tipping…Point”
March Madness, Going Postal In the Most Foolish of Ways
Damn you Mr. Allen Estrin! The “damn”, however, is not full-throated. He deserves a modicum of blame for this March’s “going postal” moment. For those unaware, Mr. Estrin is a co-founder of PragerU. His expert understanding of the entertainment industry transformed a stagnant social media venture into a raging success. One of his suggestions launchedContinue reading “March Madness, Going Postal In the Most Foolish of Ways”
Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Punishments are mysteriously absent from the Ten Commandments. The “shall not’s” are not accompanied by prescribed penalties. The Torah Portion Vayikra, however, begins to address commandment violation punishments. The remedies for sin, per Vayikra, are in the form of animal sacrifice and grain offerings. According to Richard Elliott Friedman, the sacrifice’s purpose was to recognizeContinue reading “Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
In Simplicity
If “Don’t Steal”, “Respect Each Other”, “Don’t Lie”, “Keep Your Promises” & “Respect Your Parents” were Elementary School Classroom Bulletin Board signs, what would you think?…Random sentiments? A pattern? If the Ten Commandments were posted on that very Elementary School Classroom Bulletin Board, what would you think?…Random sentiments? A pattern? This exercise’s take-away is theContinue reading “In Simplicity”
Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Geography shapes both politics and religion. The Children of Israel’s wilderness wandering and their Promised Land permanence created a division between religion and politics. This division manifested in Judaism’s portability. The Torah Portion Pedukei addresses aspects of Tabernacle. This central portable structure served as a place for worship and sacrifice during the post Exodus wildernessContinue reading “Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
It Wasn’t My Time
Everybody has a life theme; mine- humiliation. For some, finding one’s blog spelling and grammar errors after publication is too much to bare. Moments like that, however, I endure- embarrassment happens. Milliseconds of silent expletive and my mind shakes it off. Life goes on. The spice must flow. A recent humiliating mishap was on anotherContinue reading “It Wasn’t My Time”
The Truth: The First Rail
In truth, in justice and in righteousness Jeremiah 4:2 Is “societal health” determined by the factors truth, justice and righteousness? Are these three rails necessary for a healthy and functional society? These three distinct categories arise from the Prophets’ observations. In Ten Commandments’ based governance scheme, there are matter concerning the truth. Further, there areContinue reading “The Truth: The First Rail”
Speculation on Fire: Vayakhel’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
On a neighborhood walk, my wife and I smelled smoke. Opposite the sunset, I viewed an ominous purple sky. My mind percolated with thoughts of another apocalyptic wildfire. An elbow to my ribs evaporated my mental state. My wife, who had been looking in the other direction, pointed to our neighbor’s bellowing chimney. Scholars, forContinue reading “Speculation on Fire: Vayakhel’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Second Rail: In Justice
Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? Martin Luther, King, Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail The Prophets revealed the three rails of a Ten Commandments’ based society- In truth, in justice and in righteousness. Citizens, conservative or liberal, must engage in debate and constructive measures toContinue reading “The Second Rail: In Justice”
The Ten Commandments Project 