A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Samson

Samson’s tale of martyrdom has a few Ten Commandments’ moments. While his beginnings are quite promising, his life devolves into an endless cycle of suffering and vengeance. At the beginning, his barren mother encounters an angel who promises her a special son. She is instructed that the child would be raised as a Nazarite and thatContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Samson”

A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Succession

The Book of Judges is not for the faint hearted. While Gideon’s leadership as a Judge sparked a thirst for Israelite monarchical rule, his post-mortem was sobering to that national ambition.   Succession, in antiquity, was heavily nepotism. Gideon, not be outshined by the Elon Musk’s or Nick Cannon’s of the world, amassed seventy sons and hadContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Succession”

Beshalach’s Ten Commandments Moments

The Torah Portion Beshalach- which takes place in the height of the Exodus- contain three Ten Commandments’ moments worthy of discussion. The portion takes place as the Children of Israel depart from Egypt, the Children of Israel experience salvation in the parting of the Red Sea. Also, for the first time, they receive the mystery food calledContinue reading “Beshalach’s Ten Commandments Moments”

A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Gideon

Readers can cheat. They can jump to the back of the book to get that sweet ending. ” Who done it?” is solved. With the Book of Judges, however, while the last line sums up most everything, the reader would be cheated. The journey through Judges is as rewarding as the ending.  The tale of Gideon- planted in the middleContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Gideon”

A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Emissary

From a Ten Commandments’ perspective, The Book of Judges represents the Dark Ages.  Agenda driven, Judges’ tales told pull no punches in detailing generations of a dystopian society; a society lacking a formal government.   Judges’ ends with the epic line: “in those days there was no king in Israel; a man could do whatever seemedContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Emissary”

Influencer Challenge: Va’eira

Are you an influencer? Do you think you are an influencer? Are you succeeding or are you failing? Va’eira’s tale involves one of the world’s greatest influencers hitting a road block. He, at the outset of his campaign, cannot influence anybody. Somehow, this disappointing start does not stop his success. His disastrous encounter was tantamount to one’s first woodpress post in wordpressContinue reading “Influencer Challenge: Va’eira”

Shemot’s Ten Commandments’ Moments

Two epic Ten Commandments’ moments happen in the Shemot Torah portion. “Shemot”, in hebrew, means names. While the title refers to the names of the Children of Israel who went down to Egypt, the Torah Portion contains bigger names. Shemot also reveals the first commandment’s background story. The Burning Bush encounter in Shemot includes a historical introduction:Continue reading “Shemot’s Ten Commandments’ Moments”

A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Gibeonites

With the Torah’s completion and all 613 Commandments in writing, the Children of Israel’s tale- post-Pentateuch- continues. As Joshua leads them through the conquest of the Promised Land, he is also confronted with issues of commandment adherence, interpretation. This post addresses the Gibeonite crisis.  Fearful of the Children of Israel and what they had done toContinue reading “A Book of Joshua Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Gibeonites”

Who Am I? Shemot

“Who am I?” Moses Exodus 3:11 In the throes of the New Year’s celebration, the Torah Portion Shemot offers a relevant moment for resolution makers.  Moses- in his Burning Bush encounter on Mt. Sinai- when tasked by the Almighty to deliver the Children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, asks “Who am I?” Exodus 3:11 “Who amContinue reading “Who Am I? Shemot”

Vayechi’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

If the Torah was psychologically analyzed, an abundance of obsessive compulsiveness would be found. Is there a reason for this pathology to be present? Are there positive that can arise from such behavior? Can ocd acts serve a visionary or prophetic role? Answers to these questions revolve around one of Vayechi’s Ten Commandments’ moments. With Jacob’s passing, his sonsContinue reading “Vayechi’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”