bible – The Ten Commandments Project

Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History

Older bearded man reading book titled Origins of Judaism by oil lamp in study

A Torah Portion Balak’s impactful passage resonates in history. It was referenced as part of a historical event from antiquity. In the post-biblical Book of the Maccabees, the portion Balak is cited during a transformative event; an event that shaped present day history and theology. The Balak passage, however, due to its graphic and violentContinue reading “Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History”

Chukat: The Pentateuch’s MBA Program

Professor in biblical clothing teaching MBA students about leadership ethics in a lecture hall

The Pentateuch’s Management Master Class includes the Torah Portion Chukat. With God’s post-Exodus Promised Land relocation plan in crisis, the Lord must make a hard pivot. The Portions Chukat- along with Shelach and Korah- document the Deity’s resetting of his fledgling Israelite nation. Across these portions, problematic, stiff-necked and rebellious individuals plague the completion ofContinue reading “Chukat: The Pentateuch’s MBA Program”

A Major League Biblical Literacy Moment: Rainbows Matter

Four baseball players in San Francisco uniforms standing on a baseball field at sunset with a rainbow and city skyline

And the earth was corrupted before God, and the earth was filled with violence. Genesis 6:11 Balls and strikes can be called on Major League Baseball’s scriptural verse controversy. The Torah citation to Genesis 9:12-16, has been pitched by players, including the San Francisco Giant’s Laden Roupp, as worthy scripture. The players have inscribed itContinue reading “A Major League Biblical Literacy Moment: Rainbows Matter”

The Set Up: Korah

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with witness beside him and judge listening

I can’t stand it, I know you planned it Beastie Boys Moses, in the Torah Portion Korah, offers up a masterclass on the set up. The set up– as a concept- is neither benign or malicious; it is merely a cunning tactic. Often these deceptions occur right before the victim’s eyes; I know; long ago,Continue reading “The Set Up: Korah”

Pattern Recognition: Shelach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

Boy wearing kippah and green hoodie reading a Torah scroll on a small table indoors

“… nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” U.S. Constitution, Fourteenth Amendment Pentateuch pattern recognition comes from avid Torah reading. The Torah Portion Shelach’s Sabbath violator tale’s similarity to the earlierContinue reading “Pattern Recognition: Shelach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Behaalotecha: Age Matters?

King wearing crown and robe holding a driver’s license, young man looking worried

Governments often assign arbitrary ages to rights and obligations. Consuming alcoholic beverages, driving motor vehicles, and voting are some of legally age-restricted activities which permission can vary based upon locale. For those activities indicated above, there is no age set in stone; rather, different jurisdictions apply different ages to different acts. Simply put, in someContinue reading “Behaalotecha: Age Matters?”

A Biblical Literacy Moment: Behaalotecha: The Making of a Prophet

An older man holding a staff, a priest in colorful robes holding incense, and a young woman with a tambourine stand by a decorated tent with people gathered in the background

And a prophet did not rise again in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face-to-face. Deuteronomy 34:10 Much mystery surrounding Hebrew Bible Prophets. The Torah Portion Behaalotecha uniquely addresses prophesy. In one portion, the Prophets’ divine communication are re-defined; this transformation occurred in the middle of sibling controversy. A Biblical Literacy Moment on ProphesyContinue reading “A Biblical Literacy Moment: Behaalotecha: The Making of a Prophet”

Naso: A Blessing Like No Other

Spock character showing Vulcan salute on Starship Enterprise bridge

May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam-And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home- And may you grow to be proud dignified and true- And do unto others as you’d have done to you. Rod Stewart The Torah Portion Naso’s Priestly Blessing is one of theContinue reading “Naso: A Blessing Like No Other”

Shavuot Connections?

Woman playing wooden harp seated in a grassy stone circle at sunrise

One of the Israelite’s earliest writings is tied to Shavuot- the celebration of the Ten Commandments’ receipt at Mt. Sinai. The Song of Deborah’s connection to both the Exodus and Mt. Sinai Covenant is striking. While Deborah’s exploits and the Exodus’ events share a theme of freedom, Deborah’s remembrance of Mt. Sinai experience is quiteContinue reading “Shavuot Connections?”

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?”