The Poetry of Politics?

The Book of Psalms, is a collection of 150 poems. While they are attributed to King David, historically, the Psalms were written by a variety of individuals. Further, their composition and crafting span hundreds of years. It is opined that they were compiled into final form during the Babylonian exile. Psalms are used within dailyContinue reading “The Poetry of Politics?”

Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

“… be watchful to do all the laws and the judgments that I’m putting in front of you today.” Deuteronomy 11:26 Before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Children of Israel are reminded about their Divine Covenant. Laws and judgments are to be followed. In juxtaposition, the Patriarch Isaac is confined toContinue reading “Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Death’s Sanctity: Chayeh Sarah

And after that Abraham buried Sarah Genesis 23:19 The Torah holds one’s passing sacred. The Portion Chayeh Sarah unleashes life lessons surrounding death’s sanctity that continue throughout the Pentateuch. With one’s passing, there is the inevitable gathering of individuals. Some harboring long-standing consternation towards fellow funeral attendees. When Venn Diagramming life activities with the DecalogueContinue reading “Death’s Sanctity: Chayeh Sarah”

Virtue Unleashed? Lech Lecha

Can one person transform the world? According to the Torah Portion Lech Lecha, “Yes.” For over two thousand years, scholars, commentators, and social scientists have tackled the Lech Lecha phenomena. In Modernity In 2000, Malcolm Gladwell explored the viral nature of human activity. In The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference,Continue reading “Virtue Unleashed? Lech Lecha”

The Question: “Why?” Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

Make it make sense? The Torah Portion Noah’s Post-Flood Covenant should have solved all of the world’s problems. Correct? After all, the God-Human covenant assured that a world would not be subjected to another deity inflicted devastation. It was also sealed with a rainbow! Only a double rainbow could have made it better!! Genesis 8:21-22.Continue reading “The Question: “Why?” Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Of Covenants, Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

All creative work is derivative Nina Paley What is new may in fact be old. Painting with a different color scheme; playing music in a faster tempo; or re-purposing medications for a different disease. Incremental innovations can constitute newness. Slight changes may be just as impactful as radical innovation. The latter may, in fact, beContinue reading “Of Covenants, Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

In the Beginning, There Was Controversy: Bereshit’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

In the beginning, controversy was created. While the divergent creation narratives perplex readers, the Pentateuch’s first portion also ignites a Ten Commandments’ debate. The rationale for Sabbath observance’s is at issue. The Sabbath Sabbath observance, a central feature of the Ten Commandments, is allegedly Creation Narrative inspired. The Portion Bereshit famously notes: “And in theContinue reading “In the Beginning, There Was Controversy: Bereshit’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

A Legend Preserving a Legacy? V’Zot HaBerachah: A Ten Commandments’ Moment

Barred entry into the Promised Land, Moses is buried on a mountaintop. The end? The end, for the Torah Portion V’Zot HaBerachah, actually marks the beginning. In their infancy, legacies are fragile. Upon one’s death, their legacy becomes detached from the person. They no longer are able to control what they once controlled. The seedContinue reading “A Legend Preserving a Legacy? V’Zot HaBerachah: A Ten Commandments’ Moment”

The Sukkot’s Torah Portion: A Ten Commandments’ Moment

Here, they’re one people, and they all have one language, and this is what they have begun to do. And now nothing that they’ll scheme will be precluded from them Genesis 11:6 One of Humans’ greatest strengths is language. The Book of Genesis’ Tower of Babel tale recognizes this power. Genesis 11:6. In scripture, theContinue reading “The Sukkot’s Torah Portion: A Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Ha’ Azinu’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: God

If God didn’t exist, he would have been invented Voltaire God is perhaps the Ten Commandments’ most controversial subject. Poetry from the Torah Portion Ha’Azinu provides Prophetic insight into the divine being. Moses’ depictions provide much understanding of the Israelite Deity. Moses’ lifetime observations takes readers to the heights of Mt. Sinai to unlock theContinue reading “Ha’ Azinu’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: God”