At that time many who sought righteousness and justice went out into the wilderness… 1 Maccabees 2:29 Do societies have breaking points? Can there be immovable cries of ‘enough is enough!’? If so, are leaders involved? Do these leaders possess unique capacities and characteristics? The answers to these questions begin with the Torah Portion Vayishlach.Continue reading “Vayishlach:The Line”
Tag Archives: christianity
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 Rational Versus Rationalism
Most humans’ actions internally are one hundred percent rational. Their thoughts justify their conduct. Biologically, it makes sense that actions, beyond reflex, is performed based upon logic. Thus, even egregious behaviors are rational. This rationality, however, is accomplished through misinterpretation, re-definition, hallucination or simply ignorance. In other words, people thoughts are internally logical. As aContinue reading “The Rational Versus Rationalism”
Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Geography shapes both politics and religion. The Children of Israel’s wilderness wandering and their Promised Land permanence created a division between religion and politics. This division manifested in Judaism’s portability. The Torah Portion Pedukei addresses aspects of Tabernacle. This central portable structure served as a place for worship and sacrifice during the post Exodus wildernessContinue reading “Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
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?”
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”
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”
A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Achan
With the Torah complete, the Children of Israel, through Joshua’s leadership, begin their conquest of the Promised Land. Beyond territorial acquisition, governance is required which involves the adherence to the Torah’s commandments. The Book of Joshua tackles the complexities of implementing Mosiac Law during unsettled times. This post concerns Achan’s theft. There is much going onContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: Achan”
Yes Virginia, There is a Chanukah
put on your yarmulke here comes chanukkah adam sandler yes virginia. there is a chanukah. in antiquity, long before the north american colony of virginia, before the birth of the prophet mohammed and the establishment of the islamic religion, before christianity, and before the time when the holy land was re-named palestine by the romans,Continue reading “Yes Virginia, There is a Chanukah”