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”
Tag Archives: moses
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”
Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law
In the United States, the State of Louisiana just enacted a law for the public display of thee Ten Commandments in public school classrooms beginning in 2025. The backlash was immediate. There are those crying violations of the First Amendment Establishment Clause while the law supporters are contending that it is a foundational document forContinue reading “Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law”
Shavuot: A Reflection On The Ultimate Ten Commandments’ Moment
This week, Shavuot is celebrated. It is a two day holiday. In conjunction with the festival commemorating the giving of the Ten Commandments and the Law, the famous Torah from Exodus is read. It contains the Ten Commandments. Beyond the Torah reading, the holiday is also celebrated with Torah study. While the Decalogue’s content, inContinue reading “Shavuot: A Reflection On The Ultimate Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Available For Speaking
If you have Zoom, perhaps we can make an arrangement. While I am not as tall or handsome as the AI generated image for this post, hopefully my speaking will be satisfying. Over three decades, I have lectured on a variety of topics at professional organizations. Recently, after developing a multitude of content, I haveContinue reading “Available For Speaking”
String Cite Theory
A “String Cite” is a powerful legal writing tool. Briefs and Court Opinions often cite authority. Authority can be reference to anything from a statute, regulation, case cite to a legal treatise. String cites are like an authority on steriods; they often list three or four specific references. The cumulative nature of them suggest aContinue reading “String Cite Theory”
The Ten Commandments Project 