Why are no punishments listed within the Ten Commandments? This often asked Decalogue question is partially answered in the Torah Portion Mishpatim. The answer is two-pronged, one part is complex while the other is simple. The complex part of the answer pertains to the concept of Community vs. Individual Code of Conduct. Since the DecalogueContinue reading “The Answer: Mishpatim’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
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A Brief Moment of Biblical Literacy: Beshalach
The Torah’s contemporaneous composition is a misconception. The Torah itself dispels the assumption that the totality of its passages were crafted in temporal proximity to the events. One of these instances is in the Torah Portion Beshalach. A Beshalach passage illustrates a writing style with a pedagogical purpose. The Passage The Beshalach passage at issueContinue reading “A Brief Moment of Biblical Literacy: Beshalach”
Message’s Multiple Meanings: Beshalach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Each according to what he needs Exodus 16:16 Messages produce multiple meanings. Once transmitted, the communicator loses control. It’s the audience that captures, formulates and re-shapes the message. Pandora’s microphone anyone? In essence, one never just communicates a point. Rather, they communicate far more; they ignite a multitude of impressions, concepts or viewpoints. The TorahContinue reading “Message’s Multiple Meanings: Beshalach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Community Rules: Bo’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
All of the congregation of Israel shall do it Exodus 12:47 Thanksgiving is celebrated across the United States. The Thursday event is when family and friends join in a smorgasbord-like meal with traditional offerings. Many take a moment on the day to express gratitude. Then, some turn on the television to watch the Detroit Lions’Continue reading “Community Rules: Bo’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Tipping Point in Real Time: Va’era
Posting on current events can often be futile. As many news items have limited shelf-life, a post’s utility evaporates rapidly. With the ongoing Iranian uprising, however, this is not the case. What is transpiring aptly connects into the political theories espoused by the Hebrew Bible. Specifically, the Torah Portion Va’era touches on an ongoing conflict;Continue reading “The Tipping Point in Real Time: Va’era”
The Book of Lamentations’ Ten Commandments Moment
Sometimes, it’s over. A nation is crushed. With that, people must query: “is there is anything left?” With the populace in despair, other questions arise: “How did it come to this?”; “What is to become of us?”; and “Who are we?” These questions weight heavy on a nation eternally covenanted-by Decalogue- to a Deity. Writings,Continue reading “The Book of Lamentations’ Ten Commandments Moment”
Moses’ Three Chapters
You said you’d stand by me in the middle of Chapter Three Elvis Costello To fully appreciate Moses’ story and accomplishments, earlier scriptural themes must be considered. Long before his birth, during the time of the Patriarchs, biblical themes emerged. Three of these themes are embedded within the three chapters in Moses’ life- the Palace,Continue reading “Moses’ Three Chapters”
The Name: Psalm 113’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
I’ve Got a Name, I’ve Got a Name Jim Croce The Tetragrammaton- God’s four letter name- plays a central role in the Ten Commandments. In the Hebrew letters, it is spelled “yud, hay, vav, hay.” For this discussion’s purposes, The Name or the Lord refers to the Tetragrammaton. In Jewish Orthodox scriptural publications, the wordContinue reading “The Name: Psalm 113’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Vayigash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Real Estate Polemic?
But the land shall not be sold permanently, because the land is mine, because you are aliens and visitors with me! Leviticus 25:23 While Real Property is not directly addressed within the Ten Commandments, theologically, it is. A Ten Commandments’ real estate reference leads us to a socio-economic controversy that remains relevant in present dayContinue reading “Vayigash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Real Estate Polemic?”
A Mikeitz’ Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Nature of Words
While Joseph’s narrative is packed full of drama, it also includes a multitude of meaningful moments of the Ten Commandments variety. One is an exchange between Joseph and his brothers in the Torah Portion Mikeitz. This particular interaction touches on the Swearing Commandment- “Thou Shalt Not Use the Lord’s name in vain.” Swearing, within theContinue reading “A Mikeitz’ Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Nature of Words”
The Ten Commandments Project 