faith – The Ten Commandments Project

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”

The False Prophet: A Biblical Literacy Moment

Nobleman in green and gold robes speaking to a crowd on stone steps at dusk

False prophets? How do we know? The Torah Portion Re’eh defines a false scriptural prophet. Not only does Re’eh address the deity-prophet relationship, but it also addresses the biblical concepts of both testing as well as an individual’s heart. Given the multitude of issues raised within the passage, understanding the prophets’ bona fides within theContinue reading “The False Prophet: A Biblical Literacy Moment”

A Biblical Literacy Moment: Deuteronomy 8:3

Seven friends sitting at a wooden table with bread and butter, smiling and chatting in a rustic room.

The phrase Man does not live on bread alone is not only a classic, it’s biblical. The line is part of a theologically deep passage that was so significant that it was even referenced in later scripture. Additionally, the well-crafted English translation has taken a life of its own. It connotes a different meaning withinContinue reading “A Biblical Literacy Moment: Deuteronomy 8:3”

The Introduction to The Ten Commandments: Va’etchanan

Moses holding tablets with Hebrew text, addressing a crowd of men, women, and children in a desert setting

Lawmakers often provide a write-up when enacting a new law. These introductions can include anything from a legislative history to an explanation of the bill’s intent. In the Torah Portion Va’etchanan, Moses introduces the Ten Commandments to all of Israel. In doing so, he imparts essential information for grasping the biblical understanding of the Decalogue.Continue reading “The Introduction to The Ten Commandments: Va’etchanan”

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”