The Book of Psalms, is a collection of 150 poems. While they are attributed to King David, historically, the Psalms were written by a variety of individuals. Further, their composition and crafting span hundreds of years. It is opined that they were compiled into final form during the Babylonian exile. Psalms are used within dailyContinue reading “The Poetry of Politics?”
Tag Archives: justice
In Justice: Pinchas
“Justice, Justice you shall pursue, so that you’ll live, and you’ll take possession of the land that the Lord, your God is giving you” Deuteronomy 16:20 Prior to Deuteronomy’s “justice” pronouncement, a particular family became embroiled in a property rights dispute. The legal decision’s implications were of nationwide interest. The Portion Pinchas describes the legalContinue reading “In Justice: Pinchas”
Emor: The Big Message?
“All Animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell In the Torah, death penalties stand out. Seemingly slight offenses, i.e. gathering wood on the Sabbath, Numbers 15:32-36, have been subject to capital punishment. In these instances which include the severe sanction, is Torah actually intending to send a biggerContinue reading “Emor: The Big Message?”
Jonah & The Killer Whale
Now should I not take pity on Nineveh, the great city, in which there are many more than one hundred twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left…? Jonah 4:11 Is United States a modern-day Nineveh? If so, how many residents don’t know their right hand from their left? GivenContinue reading “Jonah & The Killer Whale”
Sound Bites Of Justice
Will crowdfunding change our justice system? Before the internet, a criminally accused individual’s ability to raise legal defense funds was limited. Often, they were supported by their family, friends, and local institutions. With the advent of crowdfunding applications combined with the internet’s reach, an accused’s ability to raise sums has become amplified. Presently, the entireContinue reading “Sound Bites Of Justice”
The Truth: The First Rail
In truth, in justice and in righteousness Jeremiah 4:2 Is “societal health” determined by the factors truth, justice and righteousness? Are these three rails necessary for a healthy and functional society? These three distinct categories arise from the Prophets’ observations. In Ten Commandments’ based governance scheme, there are matter concerning the truth. Further, there areContinue reading “The Truth: The First Rail”
The Second Rail: In Justice
Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? Martin Luther, King, Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail The Prophets revealed the three rails of a Ten Commandments’ based society- In truth, in justice and in righteousness. Citizens, conservative or liberal, must engage in debate and constructive measures toContinue reading “The Second Rail: In Justice”
The Bible In Four Words
Hillel, the revered Talmudic figure, was once queried by a Roman concerning Judaism. The Roman asked the Rabbi to teach him Judaism while standing on one foot. Hillel told him “that which is hateful unto you, do not do unto your neighbor, that is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation of this- goContinue reading “The Bible In Four Words”
The Conflation of Kindness and Justice?
There is danger with conflation. Some concepts meant to be separate. The fact that each concept is virtuous does not dispel this notion. While surveying the Hebrew Bible’s Prophets with a Ten Commandments’ perspective, it is apparent that the Ten Commandments- as a complete body of law- is not part of their verbiage. Rather, manyContinue reading “The Conflation of Kindness and Justice?”
The Best We Got?
If only one Torah Portion could be read to appreciate the scripture’s societal significance, what would it be? While Yitro, which tells of the Ten Commandments received from Mt. Sinai would be one suggestion, the Portion Kedoshim is likely the consensus choice. Kedoshim, however, is absent any drama or visual stimulation. The reader encounters aContinue reading “The Best We Got?”
The Ten Commandments Project 