For Kohens-Priestly descendants- the Torah Portion Tzav may be riveting. For commoners, Tzav, a section full of priestly sacrificial instructions and intricacies, is less so. Many find it a painful read. For millennia, the Book of Leviticus- which includes Tzav- has exposed outsiders to the Israelite cult’s affairs. Tzav even takes readers to the innerContinue reading “Welcome to The Inner Circle? Tzav”
Tag Archives: biblical literacy
Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Punishments are mysteriously absent from the Ten Commandments. The “shall not’s” are not accompanied by prescribed penalties. The Torah Portion Vayikra, however, begins to address commandment violation punishments. The remedies for sin, per Vayikra, are in the form of animal sacrifice and grain offerings. According to Richard Elliott Friedman, the sacrifice’s purpose was to recognizeContinue reading “Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Prostrate Trouble: Esther’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Prostration is central to Esther’s story. Mordechai’s refusal to bow and prostrate himself before Haman served as the inspiration of Haman’s genocidal plot against the Jews. Was Mordechai’s refusal a Ten Commandments’ moment? Early in Esther’s story, Haman is promoted by King Ahasuerus to a top position. Haman’s seat was to be above all theContinue reading “Prostrate Trouble: Esther’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Setting Things In Stone? Mishpatim
“And he took the scroll of the covenant and read in the people’s ears” Exodus 24:7 The Torah Portion Mishpatim illustrates the challenges of legal literacy. In antiquity, was it possible for a fledgling nation to disseminate the concepts of societal boundaries and affirmative duties upon its citizenry? If so, what methodology could be employedContinue reading “Setting Things In Stone? Mishpatim”
The Top Ten? The Big Ten? Yitro
“As horrible as this is (especially in light the Aqedah), it conveys the seriousness of this commandment and of the principle that the Ten Commandments outweigh other laws.” Richard Elliott Friedman, Commentary on The Torah In legal systems, some laws override others. For example, the United States essentially has two forms of law- State andContinue reading “The Top Ten? The Big Ten? Yitro”
Sabbath Origins? Bechlach
And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because He ceased from doing all his work, which God created Genesis 2:3 While the Sabbath was established at Creation’s completion, the day of rest was imposed upon the Children of Israel. After leaving Egypt, in the Torah Portion Bechlach, Sabbath rules commenced. Before Mt.Continue reading “Sabbath Origins? Bechlach”
Bo: The Legacy Project
The people of the exile brought the pesach-offering on the fourteenth day of the first month. Ezra 6:10 In the throes of the Exodus, the Torah Portion Bo commands the Children of Israel to celebrate Passover. Not only was this meal to be of the moment, it was to be something for the future. BoContinue reading “Bo: The Legacy Project”
The Book of Daniel’s Ten Commandments’ Moments
“Being in Lion’s Den” and “Seeing the Writing on the Wall, ” are common phrases coming from the Book of Daniel. This imagery likely cemented the book’s inclusion in the Hebrew Bible. The Book of Daniel, however, is controversial. As a result of the controversies, some have opined that it is the least worthy ofContinue reading “The Book of Daniel’s Ten Commandments’ Moments”
Attention Getter? Va’eira
Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? Rush Hour A large part of my four decades of lawyering is doing deals. Despite ample amounts of money on the table, in rare instances, a deal cannot be done. My client’s lack of capacity to agree is the reason. The client eitherContinue reading “Attention Getter? Va’eira”
The Bible As A Reference
President Jimmy Carter’s State Funeral was not without controversy. While most of the country’s luminaries attended, there was one notable absence. Former First Lady First Lady Michelle Obama chose to not be present. Her decision prompted debate. Some pointed towards the historical precedence for guidance. For the Bible literate, the Torah offers direction. In fact,Continue reading “The Bible As A Reference”
The Ten Commandments Project 