Before Exodus’ desert wandering, there was readers’ wondering. Prior to Moses’ Burning Bush encounter in which he was conscripted by Israelite Deity to stage a national liberation, the Torah Portion Shemot delivers one of scripture’s most perplexing passages. This enigmatic passage, however, when viewed through Decalogue- themed lenses, unlocks enlightenment. Speculation, in the instance, isContinue reading “The Art of Speculation? Shemot”
Tag Archives: moses
The Evolution of Swearing: Vayechi
And He said, “I’ll do according to your word.” And He said, “Swear to me” And he swore to him. Genesis 47:30 Everyone needs assurances. Promises often can be confounded by failing human memory, distraction, or a change of circumstances. Assurances, in scripture, were taken to the next level via oath or a swearing. TheContinue reading “The Evolution of Swearing: Vayechi”
Of Moses & Mangione
The UnitedHealthcare CEO’s assassination tale bares similarity to Moses’ murder of the Egyptian Taskmaster. Laying in wait was the modus operandi for both. In the Moses’ case, it was an unnamed Hebrew Slave’s rebuke of Moses that saved Western Civilization. Mr. Lugi Mangione is the alleged CEO assassin. His background has much in common withContinue reading “Of Moses & Mangione”
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”
A Matter of Interpretation? Simchat Torah’s Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
What is the most important skill one learn from the Hebrew Bible? One answer is the ability to interpret. By interpret, I do not mean the act of translation. Rather, interpretation is the act of engaging with words to extract meaning. In doing so, perhaps an individual can obtain a better understanding the author’s words.Continue reading “A Matter of Interpretation? Simchat Torah’s Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
A Very Ten Commandments’ Moment: This Sukkot’s Saturday Torah Portion
An epic Ten Commandments’ moment occurred in last Saturday’s Sukkot Torah Portion reading. While the entire Portion is an essential scriptural read (Exodus 33:12-34:26), there is one revealing Decalogue-related passage. Words Alone? Is the Ten Commandments just simply about the words? Or, is there something about the commandments that is beyond the words? The SukkotContinue reading “A Very Ten Commandments’ Moment: This Sukkot’s Saturday Torah Portion”
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”
The Art of Leading: Korach, A Ten Commandments’ Moment
” The Lord said to Moses: Put Aaron’s staff back in front of the Testimony as a keepsake [and] a sign for rebellious ones. Then their complaints against Me will end and they will not die.” Numbers 17:25 Shortly after passing the bar examination, lawyers are promptly sworn-in and can immediately practice law. Despite havingContinue reading “The Art of Leading: Korach, A Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Lies of Spies
Lies can be impactful. They can shape a nation’s fate. When articulated by the well-respected, they are particularly dangerous. Deception is a form of lying; it uniquely provides the employer the cover of deniability. The polemical Torah Portion Shelach captures a nation suffering severe consequences as a result of deception. Shelach’s tale begins with MosesContinue reading “The Lies of Spies”
Secular Value of the Ten Commandments: A Civic Lesson
Hating the Ten Commandments? This post is for you. Louisiana’s Ten Commandments’ law has brought out much criticism for the thought of allowing a religious document into public schools. This post makes the case, on a totally non-religious basis, as to why the Ten Commandments has much secular value. In fact, we don’t even needContinue reading “Secular Value of the Ten Commandments: A Civic Lesson”
The Ten Commandments Project 