faith – The Ten Commandments Project

Lech Lecha: Back to the Basics: Signs: The Ten Commandments’ Moment

Anime-style illustration of Abraham standing beside a table abundant with lox, bagels, and cream cheese, carefully making himself a plate of food. Abraham is portrayed as a dignified ancient Near Eastern man in historically inspired robes, with expressive anime features. Warm welcoming atmosphere, detailed food presentation, tasteful historical setting, vibrant polished anime art, no text.

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign Ace of Base In that moment, I didn’t see the sign. I didn’t want to. It was one of the greatest moments of my life and I couldn’t watch. Not only did I have the best seat in the house, IContinue reading “Lech Lecha: Back to the Basics: Signs: The Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Back To Basics: Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

An original anime-style illustration of Noah, depicted as a thoughtful middle-aged man with a long gray beard and simple ancient Near Eastern clothing, sitting and reading a humorous book titled “Law for Dummies.” Warm, expressive, lighthearted editorial tone; tasteful historical setting; colorful cel shading; clearly readable book title; no real person likenesses, no logos, no additional text.

The Torah Portion Noah provides unique insights into the Decalogue. Unlike the Ten Commandments’ “thou shalt not murder,” the Portion Noah’s homicide prohibition statute is complete. The restricted activity, the punishment, and the rationale are all present. Given that the Portion Noah’s statute evokes God’s image within its reasoning, theological questions arise. Thus, the NoahContinue reading “Back To Basics: Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

The Bereshit Haftarah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

A Haftarah is part of the Torah Reading Service. The Haftarah reading- a supplemental reading from non-Torah scripture- is a passage selected because it relates to the Torah Portion that is read. One theory advanced as to why there are Haftarah readings is that they began at a time when public Torah reading was forbidden;Continue reading “The Bereshit Haftarah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Bereshit: The Origin of Evil?

The same anime-style snake reading the Book of Genesis, with all human hands completely removed. Preserve the snake, book, pose, setting, composition, colors, and anime aesthetic. Fill the areas where the hands were with natural, coherent background and body details. No hands, arms, or human limbs visible.

Does the Torah Portion Bereshit explain evil’s origin? The creation narrative certainly offers clues. The results, for some, may be surprising. In the Beginning There Were Grades In Genesis Chapter 1, God grades his creations. Land and sea: good. Genesis 1:10. Plants and vegetation: good: Genesis 1:12. Night and day: good: Genesis 1:18. Sea animals,Continue reading “Bereshit: The Origin of Evil?”

V’zot Haberachah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

An anime-style illustration of Moses blessing the Levites. Moses is depicted as a wise, elderly man with long white hair and beard, wearing flowing robes, his hands raised in blessing. The Levites kneel or stand before him in reverence, dressed in ancient Hebrew priestly garments. The scene has dramatic anime lighting with glowing divine light emanating from Moses, detailed expressive faces, and a celestial background with clouds and golden rays. Art style similar to epic anime like Demon Slayer or Attack on Titan.

Before the Torah’s finale, Moses charged parents to educate their children. In the Torah’s final portion, V’zot Haberachah, Moses charges the Levites to educate the Israelite nation. In Moses’ blessing to the tribe, he assigns them a special assignment. Forever more, the Levites were tasked to provide covenantal education to the nation. This tasking raisesContinue reading “V’zot Haberachah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Who’s Testing Who? The Akedah

Nervous man taking an exam in a crowded classroom

Who’s actually being tested with the Akedah? Rosh Hashanah’s Second Day Torah Portion feature the famous Binding of Isaac. With its holiday reading, Abraham is not tested for his near sacrifice of his son Isaac. His test was a few thousands of years ago on Mt. Moriah. Rather, those presently reading, listening, and discussing theContinue reading “Who’s Testing Who? The Akedah”

Well, Well, Well: A Rosh Hashanah Tale

Bearded elder addressing families among tents, sheep, and campfires in a desert valley

During the holiday season, sometimes we have to be the “bigger” person. Being largesse is often necessary during the High Holiday season. Rosh Hashanah- the New Year- and Yom Kippur- the Day of Atonement- often come with close encounters of the uncomfortable kind. This especially happens on neutral grounds; synagogues and places of worship. Frankly,Continue reading “Well, Well, Well: A Rosh Hashanah Tale”

Principles vs. Societal Pursuits

Teacher presenting biblical wisdom to diverse students in a classroom; “ANCIENT WISDOM, MODERN LIVES.”

How can we judge societies? Are there principles applied to do so? Does the Hebrew Bible offer a methodology? The Hebrew Bible, in fact, yielded at least two philosophies for judge both nations, their leaders and inhabitants. The Hebrew Bible’s significance on this topic is its extensive period of observation. The Bible’s writings address theContinue reading “Principles vs. Societal Pursuits”

In Abstentia: Nitzavim

Four people sharing a meal around a table in a rustic room

We were all at Mt. Sinai To fully understand the Ten Commandments, one must not only explore the law, but also the spirituality attached to it. Legally, the Decalogue presents as a contract; a covenant. With contracts, there are parties. The Ten Commandments’ two parties are God and the Children of Israel. These two areContinue reading “In Abstentia: Nitzavim”

Forbidden Fruit? Ki Tavo

Two women carry a fruit basket while villagers celebrate in a rural valley.

Deuteronomy’s Garden of Eden connection is undeniable. The Torah’s beginning and ending theologically converge in Ki Tavo’s fruit-filled moment. A particular Ki Tavo commandment addresses an ultimate Torah issue. It brings a greater understanding of God’s role with humanity. In the end, Ki Tavo breathes new understanding into the Tree of Knowledge of Good andContinue reading “Forbidden Fruit? Ki Tavo”