Emotions? Amos’ Ten Commandments Moment

Love is love? Unlike other Torah passages, the Ten Commandments does not express how one should feel about the Decalogue’s shalls or shall nots. The Prophet Amos places emotions in the balance concerning Humanity’s dealings. Should Amos’ words apply to the Ten Commandments? Are there consequences for failing to assert emotional interest in the dealingsContinue reading “Emotions? Amos’ Ten Commandments Moment”

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”

If Prophecy Was Country Music? A Book of Joel Ten Commandments’ Moment

To My Email Readers: I apologize for the prior incomplete post. My dog hit the publish key! Country Music walks a line. On one side, there is brilliant lyric of “exes living in Texas” to “the time i get to Phoenix” to the roads with “Mountain Mamas”. These country songs paint pictures rivaling those workingContinue reading “If Prophecy Was Country Music? A Book of Joel Ten Commandments’ Moment”

A Footnote or Addendum? A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment

The Book of Isaiah offers a “by the way…” moment elaborating on the Ten Commandments. When the Ten Commandments were delivered by Moses from Mt. Sinai, the covenant was established with the God who brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt. They accepted that this deity would be their only god and there wouldContinue reading “A Footnote or Addendum? A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Thou Shalt Chill? A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment

At Thanksgiving, controversy exploded at the Covid-19 friendly outdoor celebration. Shots were fired across the plates with carved turkey and bowls overflowing with homemade cranberry sauce. The debate, however, was not as sweet as pumpkin pie. The topic was the choice, not about sides or condiments, but rather the decision between pursuing happiness or peacefulness.Continue reading “Thou Shalt Chill? A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Shemini’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Entire Bible Summed Up in One Word?

How do you describe the Hebrew Bible in one word? Shemini’s Second Torah Reading- instructions concerning the Passover celebration- offers a bread crumb to the answer. The Children of Israel are told: “On the tenth of this month, let them each take a lamb for the fathers’ houses, a lamb per house. And if theContinue reading “Shemini’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Entire Bible Summed Up in One Word?”

A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Ultimate Sacrifice?

“Why do I need your numerous sacrifices?” The Book of Isaiah 1:11 Beyond two tablets with laws set in stone, the Decalogue has external factors. The scheme establishes relationships: God-Human and Human-Human. The Torah provides two unique tracts of administering justice/morality. For God-Human relations, sacrifices were instituted. Some of these sacrifices, i.e. sin or guiltContinue reading “A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Ultimate Sacrifice?”

A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Truth Be Told

On a daily basis we confront matters of truth and opinion. The truths are the “2+2=4″‘s of life. Opinions are a different beast. With opinions, we veer off into a matrix of probabilities. Terms such as certainty, reasonable, likely and possibly are entertained and are cemented in as some form of truth. Inherently, opinions areContinue reading “A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Truth Be Told”

Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?

Finding “Ten Commandments’ Moments” within each and every weekly Torah Portion is challenging. Cubits, genealogies and the instructions for priestly sacrifices offer impediments. The Portion Tzav ironically is one involving priestly sacrifice. Tzav discusses burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings in much detail. Is there a connection between these sacrifices and the Ten Commandments?Continue reading “Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?”

Elijah, The Sequel-A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment

While the Prophet Elijah’s initial tale in the First Book of Kings is epic. After Elijah’s Mt. Sinai moment of crisis, the most famous Tishbite’s second act does not disappoint. He is the Don Corleone of Prophets. His Part II is satisfyings. Perhaps, he is also the Michael Corleone of Prophets. Elijah’s inital story isContinue reading “Elijah, The Sequel-A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment”