And He said, “I’ll do according to your word.” And He said, “Swear to me” And he swore to him. Genesis 47:30 Everyone needs assurances. Promises often can be confounded by failing human memory, distraction, or a change of circumstances. Assurances, in scripture, were taken to the next level via oath or a swearing. TheContinue reading “The Evolution of Swearing: Vayechi”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Going Postal For December
writer’s block or blocked writing? With apologies to the poetry blog Skeptic’s Kaddish for the pun, we must tackle December. Personally, there were trying moments. A serious family issue consumed the month. This later was compounded by a hip problem. And then, with the little other time to write, software gremlins ran amok in myContinue reading “Going Postal For December”
Exodus and Revolution: A Book Review
Before I embarked on the Ten Commandments Project, reading Michael Walzer’s Exodus and Revolution would provided context as to how the Torah shaped Western Civilization’s Politics. Walzer’s text details how the Exodus narrative influenced the entire spectrum of political thought. Mr. Walzer frames the Exodus into components- Bondage, the Wilderness, the Covenant and the PromisedContinue reading “Exodus and Revolution: A Book Review”
Project 2025
Anthony Robbins’ Awaken the Giant Within deserves credit for many of my life successes. Mr. Robbins’ goal setting methodology makes repeated achievement possible. Thus, for 2025, the Ten Commandments Projects’ Robbinsesque goal ideas are laid out below. The blog’s overall agenda is to make posts that are universal or timeless. Sometimes, however, pointed current eventsContinue reading “Project 2025”
Vayegash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
“Why are you upset, and why has your face fallen? Is it not that if you do well you’ll be raised, and if you don’t do well sin crouches at the threshold. And its desire will be for you. And you’ll dominate it.” Genesis 4:6 Inevitably, people get in trouble. Past misdeeds often pull individualsContinue reading “Vayegash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Past Should Be History: Miketz
“There shall be one instruction for the citizen and for the alien who resides among you.” Exodus 12:49 Modern sensibilities are a barrier towards education. Loaded with troubling passages, The Torah makes a perfect target for contemporary erasers and white washers. Problematic events, offensive words and horrifying circumstances serve as pedagogical tools. Those representing moralityContinue reading “The Past Should Be History: Miketz”
Should the Chanukah Candles Be On A Birthday Cake?
Yonatan Adler’s The Origins of Judaism, an Archeological-Historical Reappraisal asked the question as to when “strict adherence” to Torah practices first took place. His conclusion suggests that Chanukah could be the moment to celebrate the birth date of the widespread practice of Judaism. Professor Adlers’ archeological data suggests that the societal Torah adherence first occurredContinue reading “Should the Chanukah Candles Be On A Birthday Cake?”
Genesis’ Ultimate Technicolor Ten Commandments’ Portion: Vayeshev
The Torah Portion Vayeshev overflows with Ten Commandments’ moments. Even Vayeshev’s last sentence echos a moment of Decalogue drama and reflection. The last line is literary genius. Short of the Commandments handed down at Mt. Sinai, Yayehev’s tales of Joseph and others touch on an abundance of Decalogue topics. Nine out of the TenContinue reading “Genesis’ Ultimate Technicolor Ten Commandments’ Portion: Vayeshev”
A Feel So Good Moment
In three decades of advocating health care to clients, my father presented me with my most unique challenge. In his mid-80s and ravaged by Alzheimers, his severely arthritic hip jeopardized both his functionality and well-being. His fragile mental state appeared to make a hip replacement surgery impossible. Exposure to anesthesia made the procedure too risky.Continue reading “A Feel So Good Moment”
Of Moses & Mangione
The UnitedHealthcare CEO’s assassination tale bares similarity to Moses’ murder of the Egyptian Taskmaster. Laying in wait was the modus operandi for both. In the Moses’ case, it was an unnamed Hebrew Slave’s rebuke of Moses that saved Western Civilization. Mr. Lugi Mangione is the alleged CEO assassin. His background has much in common withContinue reading “Of Moses & Mangione”
The Ten Commandments Project 