All that is gold does not glitter JRR Tolkien Years ago, a good friend invited me to a Hollywood Bowl concert. His box seats were close to the orchestra pit. Before Bowl peformances, it customary for box holders to picnicofteny bring out their fancy baskets and indulge in every imaginable delicacy and imbibe with fineContinue reading “Lasting Impressions: Eikev”
Tag Archives: idolatry
Idol Reflections: Vayishlach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
The Torah Portion analysis should never be done in isolation. The Portion Vayishlach connect intimately with both past and future Torah Portions. Merging the texts unleashes deep context which includes a Ten Commandments’ moment. Vayishlach’s Decalogue moment happens at a time of crisis. Jacob’s sons Simeon and Levi’s committed horrendous acts, the Jacob must respond.Continue reading “Idol Reflections: Vayishlach’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
On A Lark, Chestnut Is No Longer America’s Top Dog
Fanaticism has a price in the world of sports. Superstars and idols succumb human frailties such as greed and ego. Escapism to a world of purity or innocence dissipates. On a Lark, however, there is some hope. A little “hot dog” named Lark served up athletic dominance in 2024, satiate anyone with an appetite forContinue reading “On A Lark, Chestnut Is No Longer America’s Top Dog”
Isaiah On Idols
While the Decalogue provides commandments concerning idolatry, passages from Isaiah offer much insight into the workings that surrounded this practice. This post will discuss one particular portion is worthy of looking at in contemporary terms. In Isaiah 44, the Prophet Isaiah brings the following message: “All who fashion statues are empty, and the objects ofContinue reading “Isaiah On Idols”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Question Authority?
Questioning authority and choosing correct counsel are critical life skills. To question authority, courage, confidence, bravery and confusion are important traits. The same is with taking counsel. Seeking and receiving advice should not reflexively rubberstamp the suggestions imparted. The First Book of Kings offers an example which is a masterclass in failure. Likewise, it isContinue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Question Authority?”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Solomon’s Failure
Much wisdom can be imparted from Solomon’s demise. The King’s penchant for many wives and concubines set in motion the united Israelite monarchy’s destruction. Inevitably, a violation of the Ten Commandments brought forth the fracture. The First Book of Kings reports that: “Solomon grew old [and] his wives swayed his heart after gods of others,Continue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Solomon’s Failure”
A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Micah Part II
With Part I of Micah’s saga, thanks to his mother, he came to possess a graven image of the Lord. Judges’ Chapter 17, continues Micah’s tale. Micah was reported to have a house of idolatry. There, he made ephods [religious garments] and icons. He even installed one of his sons to be his priest. [note: Micah, in Judges, wasContinue reading “A Book of Judges Ten Commandments’ Moment: Micah Part II”
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”
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”
The Ten Commandments Project 