faith – The Ten Commandments Project

Second Law, Second Audience: D’varim

Guest lecturer Dr. Moses presenting on leadership principles from ancient texts to students in a large auditorium

The Book of Deuteronomy begins with the Torah Portion D’varim. In D’varim, Moses begins his final speech on the other side of the Jordan River to all of Israel. Deuteronomy 1:1. The Book of Deuteronomy stands out from the rest of the Pentateuch. Scholars and theologians focus often address Deuteronomy’s significance as either second lawContinue reading “Second Law, Second Audience: D’varim”

Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

Bride and groom holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony with guests and officiant

The prohibition from “using the Lord’s name in vain” is the Decalogue Commandment featured in the Torah Portion Matot. Various Matot passages specifically address vows and oaths. Oaths and vows are not only prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible but have also been consequential. Beyond theological concerns, oaths and vows are necessary for building societies. TheyContinue reading “Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Phinehas: The Torah’s Executive MBA Program

Elderly man with flowing white hair blessing kneeling young man in ancient desert camp

It takes a visionary who explores the past, the present, and the future to fill top executive positions. God, in the Torah Portion Phinehas, offers up a Master Class on hiring practices. In the portion, he has the daunting task of replacing both his Prophet- national leader- as well as his High Priest- religious leader.Continue reading “Phinehas: The Torah’s Executive MBA Program”

Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History

Older bearded man reading book titled Origins of Judaism by oil lamp in study

A Torah Portion Balak’s impactful passage resonates in history. It was referenced as part of a historical event from antiquity. In the post-biblical Book of the Maccabees, the portion Balak is cited during a transformative event; an event that shaped present day history and theology. The Balak passage, however, due to its graphic and violentContinue reading “Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History”

Chukat: The Pentateuch’s MBA Program

Professor in biblical clothing teaching MBA students about leadership ethics in a lecture hall

The Pentateuch’s Management Master Class includes the Torah Portion Chukat. With God’s post-Exodus Promised Land relocation plan in crisis, the Lord must make a hard pivot. The Portions Chukat- along with Shelach and Korah- document the Deity’s resetting of his fledgling Israelite nation. Across these portions, problematic, stiff-necked and rebellious individuals plague the completion ofContinue reading “Chukat: The Pentateuch’s MBA Program”

A Major League Biblical Literacy Moment: Rainbows Matter

Four baseball players in San Francisco uniforms standing on a baseball field at sunset with a rainbow and city skyline

And the earth was corrupted before God, and the earth was filled with violence. Genesis 6:11 Balls and strikes can be called on Major League Baseball’s scriptural verse controversy. The Torah citation to Genesis 9:12-16, has been pitched by players, including the San Francisco Giant’s Laden Roupp, as worthy scripture. The players have inscribed itContinue reading “A Major League Biblical Literacy Moment: Rainbows Matter”

The Set Up: Korah

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with witness beside him and judge listening

I can’t stand it, I know you planned it Beastie Boys Moses, in the Torah Portion Korah, offers up a masterclass on the set up. The set up– as a concept- is neither benign or malicious; it is merely a cunning tactic. Often these deceptions occur right before the victim’s eyes; I know; long ago,Continue reading “The Set Up: Korah”

Behaalotecha: Age Matters?

King wearing crown and robe holding a driver’s license, young man looking worried

Governments often assign arbitrary ages to rights and obligations. Consuming alcoholic beverages, driving motor vehicles, and voting are some of legally age-restricted activities which permission can vary based upon locale. For those activities indicated above, there is no age set in stone; rather, different jurisdictions apply different ages to different acts. Simply put, in someContinue reading “Behaalotecha: Age Matters?”

Naso: A Blessing Like No Other

Spock character showing Vulcan salute on Starship Enterprise bridge

May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam-And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home- And may you grow to be proud dignified and true- And do unto others as you’d have done to you. Rod Stewart The Torah Portion Naso’s Priestly Blessing is one of theContinue reading “Naso: A Blessing Like No Other”

Shavuot Connections?

Woman playing wooden harp seated in a grassy stone circle at sunrise

One of the Israelite’s earliest writings is tied to Shavuot- the celebration of the Ten Commandments’ receipt at Mt. Sinai. The Song of Deborah’s connection to both the Exodus and Mt. Sinai Covenant is striking. While Deborah’s exploits and the Exodus’ events share a theme of freedom, Deborah’s remembrance of Mt. Sinai experience is quiteContinue reading “Shavuot Connections?”