While the Torah Portion Acharei-Mot Kidushim contains large parts of the Ten Commandments, it differs from the Ten Commandments. Leviticus 19:2 commands that “You shall be holy, because I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” In contrast, the Decalogue’s first mention of holiness pertains to the Sabbath. In making this assertion, the Tetragrammaton, the fourContinue reading “Acharei-Mot Kidushim: Of Holiness”
Tag Archives: leviticus
Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Punishments are mysteriously absent from the Ten Commandments. The “shall not’s” are not accompanied by prescribed penalties. The Torah Portion Vayikra, however, begins to address commandment violation punishments. The remedies for sin, per Vayikra, are in the form of animal sacrifice and grain offerings. According to Richard Elliott Friedman, the sacrifice’s purpose was to recognizeContinue reading “Punishment: Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
In All Fairness
Unfairness may be the one word that most depicts the Human Condition. The Torah Portion Emor addresses fairness within a multitude of dimensions. It is a deity’s solution towards addressing inequity. Emor, however, begins with directives and restrictions to those of the Israelite Priestly class. The sons of Aaron had limits like no other Israelite.Continue reading “In All Fairness”
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?”
Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?
Finding “Ten Commandments’ Moments” within each and every weekly Torah Portion is challenging. Cubits, genealogies and the instructions for priestly sacrifices offer impediments. The Portion Tzav ironically is one involving priestly sacrifice. Tzav discusses burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings in much detail. Is there a connection between these sacrifices and the Ten Commandments?Continue reading “Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?”
Acting Out Of Guilt: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
this morning i entered the kitchen. as the day before was exhausting for both my wife and i, the sink was loaded with dirty dishes. while ever so tempted to finish up on this blog ever so important blog post, i refrained. grabbing the emerald green container of palmolive, i squeezed out some onto aContinue reading “Acting Out Of Guilt: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Thou Shalt Prescribe? Should Justice Principles Apply to Medicine? A Ten Commandments’ Tale
i used to suffer from annual sinus infections. the treatment was simple. one doctor appointment and a $5.00 prescription for erythromycin. one year, my doctor wrote a script for a “new” medication. he told me that it might make me feel better “a day” sooner. the pharmacy bill for the new drug was $70.00! thereContinue reading “Thou Shalt Prescribe? Should Justice Principles Apply to Medicine? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
Was Gandhi Right On His View of “An Eye For An Eye”? Ask Fred Valdamar Ortiz: A Ten Commandments’ Story
“an eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” mahatma gandhi mahatma gandhi’s wisdom concerning the biblical pronouncement of an “eye for an eye” missed the statement’s meaning. an incident in utah is proof. leviticus 24:19-20, states that “.. a man who inflicts an injury upon his fellow man just asContinue reading “Was Gandhi Right On His View of “An Eye For An Eye”? Ask Fred Valdamar Ortiz: A Ten Commandments’ Story”
A Billion Hits for Tzedakah? A Ten Commandments’ Tale
it wasn’t a great song. it wasn’t a great video. despite that, the music video has over 1 billion views. yes. one billion! the video’s concept and production, however, were a hit. the video production provided real people and their reactions to what occurred. their reactions were priceless. the video’s concept was to take theContinue reading “A Billion Hits for Tzedakah? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
A Modern Day Pharaoh?: God vs. Gov. Cuomo: An Exodus Redux
the lord said to moses, “come to pharaoh and speak to him, ‘so said the lord, god of the hebrews, “send out my people so that they may serve me. exodus 8:1 right now, god is smiling. why? the governor of new york, governor cuomo has declared war against the jewish community of new york.Continue reading “A Modern Day Pharaoh?: God vs. Gov. Cuomo: An Exodus Redux”
The Ten Commandments Project 