Psalm 23a

What does it take write an epic song? Historically, the Hebrew Bible contains many historically enduring compositions. Psalm 23 is perhaps the most well-known. The famous opening line is “The Lord is my shepherd.” The Psalm, traditionally recited at funerals and memorial services, connects with people in that moment of reflection and grief. No ironyContinue reading “Psalm 23a”

Polemic Pedagogy: Learning from The Hebrew “Greek Tragedy” of Chukat

Animal species’ ability to teach creates a competitive advantage. Outside of Humans, Parrots and Corvids most notably enjoy success by their ability to share and transfer knowledge. One comical moment of this pedagogy comes from African Grey Parrots. At an animal park, some salty speaking African Greys caused problems. After these foul-mouthed birds realized thatContinue reading “Polemic Pedagogy: Learning from The Hebrew “Greek Tragedy” of Chukat”

Is Preference Lost In Translation?

With Louisiana’s Ten Commandments’ Law requiring the posting in public school classrooms moving towards enaction, critics are raising concern that the language used for the Commandments’ sign constitutes a form of “choice”. In essence, the “choice” of words constituted a preference towards a particular religion or religious sect. “Choice”, in this instance, is nonsensical. TheContinue reading “Is Preference Lost In Translation?”

The Art of Leading: Korach, A Ten Commandments’ Moment

” The Lord said to Moses: Put Aaron’s staff back in front of the Testimony as a keepsake [and] a sign for rebellious ones. Then their complaints against Me will end and they will not die.” Numbers 17:25 Shortly after passing the bar examination, lawyers are promptly sworn-in and can immediately practice law. Despite havingContinue reading “The Art of Leading: Korach, A Ten Commandments’ Moment”

A Secular Education Lesson Plan for The Ten Commandments: Law vs. Moral Code

Originally, the Ten Commandments served as part of the Legal Code for the Israelite Nation. The Ten Commandments was an important legal document for the country. It was if the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and other laws were placed all into one document. The Ten Commandments include matters involving morals and values.Continue reading “A Secular Education Lesson Plan for The Ten Commandments: Law vs. Moral Code”

The Lies of Spies

Lies can be impactful. They can shape a nation’s fate. When articulated by the well-respected, they are particularly dangerous. Deception is a form of lying; it uniquely provides the employer the cover of deniability. The polemical Torah Portion Shelach captures a nation suffering severe consequences as a result of deception. Shelach’s tale begins with MosesContinue reading “The Lies of Spies”

Secular Value of the Ten Commandments: A Civic Lesson

Hating the Ten Commandments? This post is for you. Louisiana’s Ten Commandments’ law has brought out much criticism for the thought of allowing a religious document into public schools. This post makes the case, on a totally non-religious basis, as to why the Ten Commandments has much secular value. In fact, we don’t even needContinue reading “Secular Value of the Ten Commandments: A Civic Lesson”

Art as a History Lesson

The art of your enemy is sometimes your friend In 81 CE, the Roman Arch of Titus was unveiled. The artwork- a monument-commemorated the Roman Empire’s 71 CE victory over the Judean Rebellion in the Levant. During the conflict, in 71 CE, the Judean’s Second Temple was destroyed. The Judean’s original Temple, the Temple ofContinue reading “Art as a History Lesson”

Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law

In the United States, the State of Louisiana just enacted a law for the public display of thee Ten Commandments in public school classrooms beginning in 2025. The backlash was immediate. There are those crying violations of the First Amendment Establishment Clause while the law supporters are contending that it is a foundational document forContinue reading “Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law”

Of Good & Evil

A friend asked me “why are houses get broken into?” I explained to them that houses, by their design, are meant to be entered into. Likewise, I added, homes are meant to be a place for people to store their possessions. I said that since houses have doors and windows were built they are placesContinue reading “Of Good & Evil”