bible – The Ten Commandments Project

Behar: Slipping?

Donkey carrying sacks and wooden crates with one sack falling and spilling grain

For over 35 years, I have represented individuals who have suffered tremendous life setbacks. Some have lost their jobs, their housing, or their ability to support themselves. Some have been chronically homeless. An epiphany came from these thirty-plus years of both observation of and interaction with distressed individuals: it is far more productive to helpContinue reading “Behar: Slipping?”

Going Postal in April

Turtle walking across yellow road line on asphalt road with trees surrounding

April’s lunacy was thick with karma. Years ago in Santa Rosa on a spacious vineyard dotted highway, an immortal battle of wills erupted. It began as a clash of titans- Attorney versus Wild Turkey. It wasn’t the spirit, it was a real bird; and it wasn’t talking. Rather, the ornery wild thing was blocking theContinue reading “Going Postal in April”

Emor: All Things Being Equal

Everybody must get stoned Bob Dylan “An eye for an eye” is perhaps the most misunderstood Torah passage. Its literal interpretation sparks controversy. Often, it is interpreted as endorsing a barbaric means of justice. Mahatma Gandhi- allegedly- savaged the Torah Portion Emor passage with the assertion: “an eye for an eye will make the wholeContinue reading “Emor: All Things Being Equal”

Kedoshim: Ten Commandments Plus?

What looks like the Ten Commandments, sounds like the Ten Commandments, but isn’t the Ten Commandments? Torah Portion Kedoshim would be a good answer. Kedoshim, however, is more than the Decalogue. Kedoshim- part of Leviticus’ Holiness Code- serves a different purpose. The Torah Portion Kedoshim, while covering most of the Decalogue’s commandments, also contains additionalContinue reading “Kedoshim: Ten Commandments Plus?”

Acharei: On Representation

High priest in colorful robes holding an incense censer with smoke rising inside a temple.

“Who represents me?” and “How did they get to represent me?” constituted puzzling political and theological questions for the Children of Israel. The Torah Portion Acharei is an example of Israelite representation’s confusing and circular nature. Acharei‘s priestly representation assignment for atonement marks as a starting point for this Post’s exploration of scripture’s elections, authorizations,Continue reading “Acharei: On Representation”

Tazria: Medicine’s Trajectory?

Bronze serpent coiled around a staff on rocky ground with sunset and mountains in background

Before Organized Medicine, the Torah addressed the Healing Arts with a multi-factorial approach. A Pantheon of Professionals, Prophets and Priests collaborated with the Israelite Deity to address national health care concerns. The Torah Portion Tazria focuses on the Priest’s role in medicine. With Tazria, and other Torah Portions, both politics and theology flesh out variousContinue reading “Tazria: Medicine’s Trajectory?”

Metzorah: The Common Thread on Societal Needs Revealed

People dressed in ancient robes making offerings at a stone altar with smoke rising

Economic disparity is a civilization byproduct. Accumulated wealth and income earned through labor are two agents contributing to the gap. Individuals without assets and unable to work are set back. As a result, the poor people’s societal participation and opportunities are limited. The Torah, recognizing this problem, addressed the issue within a variety of commandments.Continue reading “Metzorah: The Common Thread on Societal Needs Revealed”

A Ultimate Passover Insight?

Family sitting around a table for a Passover Seder with matzah and a Seder plate.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Declaration of Independence Beyond the Passover Seder’s Four Questions- the Ma Nishtanah, there is another question to be asked: whatContinue reading “A Ultimate Passover Insight?”

Consequences: Shemini

Oxen pull a wooden cart carrying the golden Ark of the Covenant through a desert landscape.

Utopian myths were shattered with Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. A Genesis passage best explains the real world’s realities: “…[t]he ground is cursed on your account. You’ll eat from it with suffering all the days of your life. And it will grow thorn and thistle at you, and you’ll eat theContinue reading “Consequences: Shemini”

Evolution: Tzav

…for I am the Lord Who does kindness, justice and righteousness in the land, for in these is My desire… Jeremiah 9:23 Scripture’s wisdom is partly due to the extended period of time covered. From a political viewpoint, the Hebrew Bible captures a pre-nation’s exuberance and anxiety; it documents both national and theological power strugglesContinue reading “Evolution: Tzav”