The Anatomy of The World’s First Act of “Hatred”: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

the torah documents the world’s first “hatred.” “hate” is an emotion. it is the biological equivalent of a computer program or application. like other emotions, “hate” triggers biological responses. it generates and raises one’s heart rate. it prepares the body to act in the moment. thus, all emotions serve a purpose for human existence. “hate,”Continue reading “The Anatomy of The World’s First Act of “Hatred”: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

A Dream of Fields: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

was it all just a dream? the torah impresses upon readers the complexities of morality. in the torah portion vayetze, jacob is trapped in a web of immorality. while god has destined jacob to be part of the abrahamic covenant, he ascent is tainted with moral dilemma and ambiguity. while god tasked jacob’s mother toContinue reading “A Dream of Fields: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

A Teacher’s Gift: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

as a religious educator, i was always in search of the “new,” “interesting,” “humorous,” and “thought provoking” as far as material; student engagement and participation is often the sign of success. as a student, i enjoyed moments when the teacher solicited everyone’s opinion on a particular topic or story. religious teachers received a story whichContinue reading “A Teacher’s Gift: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

The Fall of Art? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

“when you are divorced from morality, the arts can be used for anything” a wise man a wise man said, “when you are divorced from morality, the arts can be used for anything.” presently, a fashion house scandal exposed those in the art field being accused of actively promoting pedophilia and child abuse. the wiseContinue reading “The Fall of Art? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Teach A Man To Butcher: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

there is the adage “give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” what do you get when you teach a man to butcher? discrimination, as well as other factors, historically have impacted on ethnic or religious groups’ occupations. limitationsContinue reading “Teach A Man To Butcher: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

The Third 10 Commandments? A Skeptical Impression: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

we often deceive ourselves. we see things. we see things that we should appreciate as problems. we see other things which cause us to ignore the reality. this deception can occur in dating. while searching for the perfect match, certain flaws are ignored or put aside. likewise, this occurs with people buying items not fromContinue reading “The Third 10 Commandments? A Skeptical Impression: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Of Planes, Trains & “Toxic Entitlement” A Ten Commandments’ Tale

The stranger who sojourns with you shall be as a native from among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord, your God. leviticus 19:34 there is no better way to encounter strangers than use public transportation. get on a plane, trainContinue reading “Of Planes, Trains & “Toxic Entitlement” 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”

A Commandment With Due Dilligence? A Ten Commandments’ Tale

scholars, such as professor richard elliott friedman, point to the toldot torah portion with respect to the commandment prohibiting the use of god’s name in vain. in toldot, isaac, deceived, erroneously blesses jacob. the blessing was intended for esau, isaac’s first born child. professor friedman essentially points out that, in biblical times, when you usedContinue reading “A Commandment With Due Dilligence? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Of Sidg, Chanukah & Celery: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

i tinker in the kitchen. i have taken to pickling a variety of vegetables. experimentation with celery led to a surprising result. i created sesame flavored celery which included sesame oil, toasted sesame oil, and ponzu sauce with roasted sesame. after marinating, the celery was sampled. it tasted like something from my childhood. in thatContinue reading “Of Sidg, Chanukah & Celery: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”