Two epic Ten Commandments’ moments happen in the Shemot Torah portion. “Shemot”, in hebrew, means names. While the title refers to the names of the Children of Israel who went down to Egypt, the Torah Portion contains bigger names. Shemot also reveals the first commandment’s background story. The Burning Bush encounter in Shemot includes a historical introduction:Continue reading “Shemot’s Ten Commandments’ Moments”
Tag Archives: moses
Who Am I? Shemot
“Who am I?” Moses Exodus 3:11 In the throes of the New Year’s celebration, the Torah Portion Shemot offers a relevant moment for resolution makers. Moses- in his Burning Bush encounter on Mt. Sinai- when tasked by the Almighty to deliver the Children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, asks “Who am I?” Exodus 3:11 “Who amContinue reading “Who Am I? Shemot”
Should God’s Understanding Matter With Torah Interpretation?
professor richard elliott friedman, in his commentary on the torah, pages 180-181, as well as in his book the exodus and in his lectures, tackles the famous passage of describing moses as being “heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue”. this passage- part of the exchange between the master of the universe and moses duringContinue reading “Should God’s Understanding Matter With Torah Interpretation?”
Casting A Song
this week’s torah portion- haazinu- is moses’ departing song to the children of israel. this moment highlights music’s connection to cultural memory. the bible’s earliest portions, as recognized by scholars, are songs. two of the most important being the song of the sea and the song of deborah. while we cannot re-telling oration at theContinue reading “Casting A Song”
Attention? Ki Tavo
if a ufo landed on earth and an extra terrestrial emerged with the mission to study religion, perhaps they would decide to attend a traditional jewish prayer saturday morning service. without knowing the language, they would experience a few moments in which the would witness an arroused congregation. they would see a few moments ofContinue reading “Attention? Ki Tavo”
Why Today’s Leaders Fail: Va’etchanan
elected politicians mostly dictate to their populace. ideological driven politicians take their time in office to engage in radical totalitarianism. with either of these “do it because i said so” is often heard. in the most shocking moment, one politician admitted “congress “[has] to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it.”Continue reading “Why Today’s Leaders Fail: Va’etchanan”
Why Do We Compare? Chukat-Balak
apples to oranges? are two seminal events within torah portion chukat-balak connected? we are often told that moses was barred from entering the promised land as as result of him defiantly striking a rock to deliver water to the children of israel. is this a message from chukak-balak? in this same portion, we are toldContinue reading “Why Do We Compare? Chukat-Balak”
The Most Important Word; Shlach
one word in the english language terrifies most individuals- accountability. acceptance of failure, fret over more labor to be done, and the feeling of being trapped are among the emotions that cause us to wake up in a pool of sweat. these emotions come with accountability. the shlach torah portion takes us to an existentialContinue reading “The Most Important Word; Shlach”
Kushner’s Book Was Not A Disappointment: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
comedy great mel brooks made a movie entitled “life stinks”. if author harold kushner made a movie, perhaps he would entitle it “life stinks, get over it.” rabbi kushner’s “overcoming life’s disappointments”, in my opinion, is superior to his #1 bestseller “why bad things happen to good people”. in “overcoming life’s disappointments”, moses’ life isContinue reading “Kushner’s Book Was Not A Disappointment: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The Moses Accords? A Ten Commandments’ Tale
from all appearances, the abraham accords have been a success. arab nations and israel have been able to work, cooperate and build a flourishing middle east. sharing abraham’s values which include monotheism and hospitality leads to truth. while islam and judaism are different religions, two tid-bits are revealing. muslim’s practicing halal, not able to getContinue reading “The Moses Accords? A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The Ten Commandments Project 