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”
Tag Archives: covenant
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”
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 Art of Speculation? Shemot
Before Exodus’ desert wandering, there was readers’ wondering. Prior to Moses’ Burning Bush encounter in which he was conscripted by Israelite Deity to stage a national liberation, the Torah Portion Shemot delivers one of scripture’s most perplexing passages. This enigmatic passage, however, when viewed through Decalogue- themed lenses, unlocks enlightenment. Speculation, in the instance, isContinue reading “The Art of Speculation? Shemot”
The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai
Contracts can be life-changing. As such, an attorney’s deep understanding of the parties allows for them to negotiate a “win-win” deal. Thus, knowing who you are dealing with is part of the artistry of the deal. In a divorce matter, I offered a husband advice concerning the dissolution’s last controversy. It involved the division ofContinue reading “The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai”
Priorities: Tazria’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
The Torah Portion Tazria spells out an essential commandment. It is one that rivals the Decalogue in import. The portion commands that “on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumsized.” Leviticus 12:3. In Hebrew, the ceremony for that event is called “Brit Milah”. With this, we have our Ten Commandments’ moment:Continue reading “Priorities: Tazria’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Alex, I’ll Take Ten Commandments for $500, The Answer is “Rainbows, Circumcisions, & The Sabbath” A Ten Commandments’ Tale
the answer is “what are signs of a covenant.” in the torah, with the story of noah and the flood, the master of the universe evoked the “rainbow” as a sign of the covenant between the master of the universe and the creator of the universe. genesis 9:13-16″ my rainbow I have placed in theContinue reading “Alex, I’ll Take Ten Commandments for $500, The Answer is “Rainbows, Circumcisions, & The Sabbath” A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Rambo, Chanukah & The Religion’s Two Fisted Nature: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
“We will not hearken to the king’s words, to gofrom our religion, either on the right hand, or theleft.” first book of the macabees the iconic movie character rambo lends himself to chanukah. the holiday’s songs play much like the epic background music from the movies. the macabeans, like rambo, fight battles outnumbered and againstContinue reading “Rambo, Chanukah & The Religion’s Two Fisted Nature: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”