In Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Keanu Reeves’ real co-star was time machine. In the most epic of movies, famous historical figures were taken from the past and transported to San Dimas, California. There, they participated in the most outstanding high school history project ever. Assuming you had a time machine for Passover, which historicalContinue reading “Bill & Ted’s Most Excellent Seder”
Tag Archives: judaism
Going Postal For December
writer’s block or blocked writing? With apologies to the poetry blog Skeptic’s Kaddish for the pun, we must tackle December. Personally, there were trying moments. A serious family issue consumed the month. This later was compounded by a hip problem. And then, with the little other time to write, software gremlins ran amok in myContinue reading “Going Postal For December”
Should the Chanukah Candles Be On A Birthday Cake?
Yonatan Adler’s The Origins of Judaism, an Archeological-Historical Reappraisal asked the question as to when “strict adherence” to Torah practices first took place. His conclusion suggests that Chanukah could be the moment to celebrate the birth date of the widespread practice of Judaism. Professor Adlers’ archeological data suggests that the societal Torah adherence first occurredContinue reading “Should the Chanukah Candles Be On A Birthday Cake?”
Sabbath Morning Quarterback
On Yom Kippur, I came across an article discussing commandment fulfillment. It addressed how the changing world plays a role. The impetus for these thoughts was the chaotic period of post-World War I. It noted that “[i]n such times, even imperfect mitzvos [commandments] are of relatively great value before God, because they come at suchContinue reading “Sabbath Morning Quarterback”
The Societal Literacy Project: Vayelech
Societal literacy? Is it possible to instill a nation’s rules, morals and values upon all residents? Why do it? The Torah Portion Vayelech offers insight into the how and why? The Setting Vayelech’s events occur while the Children of Israel camped out on the other side of the Jordan River. They are awaiting entry intoContinue reading “The Societal Literacy Project: Vayelech”
Polemic Pedagogy: Learning from The Hebrew “Greek Tragedy” of Chukat
Animal species’ ability to teach creates a competitive advantage. Outside of Humans, Parrots and Corvids most notably enjoy success by their ability to share and transfer knowledge. One comical moment of this pedagogy comes from African Grey Parrots. At an animal park, some salty speaking African Greys caused problems. After these foul-mouthed birds realized thatContinue reading “Polemic Pedagogy: Learning from The Hebrew “Greek Tragedy” of Chukat”
Is Preference Lost In Translation?
With Louisiana’s Ten Commandments’ Law requiring the posting in public school classrooms moving towards enaction, critics are raising concern that the language used for the Commandments’ sign constitutes a form of “choice”. In essence, the “choice” of words constituted a preference towards a particular religion or religious sect. “Choice”, in this instance, is nonsensical. TheContinue reading “Is Preference Lost In Translation?”
Procedural Values
You Can Read The Bill After It Passes Nancy Pelosi The mere act of transmission can impart values. While the Decalogue- stand alone- is rich with laws and morals, the wonderous delivery of Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel at Mt. Sinai provides deep and impactful message. With a Rock Star Prophet-Moses- and aContinue reading “Procedural Values”
Where No Man Has Gone…A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Metzora
Once in awhile, I catch a re-run of the television series Star Trek, The Next Generation. This Star Trek sequel went out of its way to express new world visions beyond those of the original. For example, while the original Enterprise crew engaged in clashes, dark humor and comedic put downs, the Next Generation crewContinue reading “Where No Man Has Gone…A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Metzora”
Order?
You’re Out of Order Al Pacino With the current Middle East conflict spilling out of the region to produce disparate opinion, my task of conducting the 2024 Passover Seder, has emerged as a moment akin to walking blindfolded through a minefield. The freedom and deliverance holiday of Passover demands that something be said about theContinue reading “Order?”
The Ten Commandments Project 