Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?

And the man Moses was very humble, more than every human who was on the face of the earth Numbers 12:3 How does one become humble? The Torah Portion Vayeshev provides an answer; it is a Master Class in humiliation. Humiliation. as Vayeshev indicates, is a humbling mechanism. The Hebrew Bible values an individual’s capacityContinue reading “Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?”

Issue Spotting: Vayeitzei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

Issue Spotting is an essential legal skill. The Torah Portion Vayeitzei provides a target rich environment to employ it to address Decalogue and Decalogue-adjacent issues. The Portion offers an opportunity to unleash one’s inner barrister! For those wanting to taste the legal profession or a Bar Exam, this Post invites you into an attorney’s mindset.Continue reading “Issue Spotting: Vayeitzei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

“… be watchful to do all the laws and the judgments that I’m putting in front of you today.” Deuteronomy 11:26 Before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Children of Israel are reminded about their Divine Covenant. Laws and judgments are to be followed. In juxtaposition, the Patriarch Isaac is confined toContinue reading “Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

Death’s Sanctity: Chayeh Sarah

And after that Abraham buried Sarah Genesis 23:19 The Torah holds one’s passing sacred. The Portion Chayeh Sarah unleashes life lessons surrounding death’s sanctity that continue throughout the Pentateuch. With one’s passing, there is the inevitable gathering of individuals. Some harboring long-standing consternation towards fellow funeral attendees. When Venn Diagramming life activities with the DecalogueContinue reading “Death’s Sanctity: Chayeh Sarah”

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”

The Introduction: Vayetze’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

Like the Pine Trees lining the road, I’ve got a name, I’ve got a name Jim Croce What’s in an introduction? The Torah Portion Vayetze culminates the Deity’s introduction and covenanting with the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. These past introductions reveal the Decalogue’s introduction as barrier breaking. The third and final Patriarchal introduction reportedContinue reading “The Introduction: Vayetze’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”

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”

Fear & Loathing In Egypt? Yayigash

“do not be afraid of going down to egypt” god the almighty, in genesis 46:1-4, bewilders.  joseph, now pharoah’s second- in-charge, invites his family to settle in egypt. in canaan, the revelation of joseph’s well-being uplifts his father jacob’s spirit. with the good news, jacob announces: “let me go see him [joseph] before i die.” genesis 45:28. as readers,Continue reading “Fear & Loathing In Egypt? Yayigash”

A Dream of Fields: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

was it all just a dream? the torah impresses upon readers the complexities of morality. in the torah portion vayetze, jacob is trapped in a web of immorality. while god has destined jacob to be part of the abrahamic covenant, he ascent is tainted with moral dilemma and ambiguity. while god tasked jacob’s mother toContinue reading “A Dream of Fields: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”

Why Everyone Should Love Chris: A Ten Commandments’ Tale

And he went ahead of them and prostrated himself to the ground seven times, until he came close to his brother. And Esau ran toward him and embraced him, and he fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. genesis 33:3-4 the bible addressed ugly confrontations, such as mr. will smith’s slapping presenterContinue reading “Why Everyone Should Love Chris: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”