Arise, Let us ascend to Zion Jeremiah 31:5 Operation Solomon-a mass migration event- made history in 1991. Approximately 2400 years before this event, the Prophet Jeremiah recorded prophetic words which became part of the Hebrew Bible. Are these distant temporal events connected? Can an ancient Prophet be intimately tied to the 20th Century Beta IsraelContinue reading “The Scriptural Root of Zionism: The New Year’s Second Day Haftarah”
Tag Archives: prophet
Of O.T. Marriage : Va’Etchanan
I, Your Lord, your God, am a jealous God Exodus 20:5 You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might Deuteronomy 6:5 Is marriage exclusive to humans? Or, is the institution beyond mere mortals? An interpretation of a single sentence from the TorahContinue reading “Of O.T. Marriage : Va’Etchanan”
A Prophet’s Revealing Ten Commandments’ Moment
Unlike other prophetic books Jeremiah’s richly addresses the Ten Commandments. Understanding both the book’s content as well as the Prophet’s background allows one to appreciate Jeremiah’s significance. Upon review, it is easy to see that the Prophet is one of the most compelling post-Torah scriptural figures. While Jeremiah’s writings are outside of the Pentateuch, thereContinue reading “A Prophet’s Revealing Ten Commandments’ Moment”
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”
Isaiah On Idols
While the Decalogue provides commandments concerning idolatry, passages from Isaiah offer much insight into the workings that surrounded this practice. This post will discuss one particular portion is worthy of looking at in contemporary terms. In Isaiah 44, the Prophet Isaiah brings the following message: “All who fashion statues are empty, and the objects ofContinue reading “Isaiah On Idols”
Life As a Game, Batter Up!
Did a Prophet’s message have the dynamics of Coaching Little League Baseball? Can a Parent’s words of encouragement to a young budding athlete can have the same effect as holy words delivered by a Prophet? To explore this notion, an observation must be made with respect to a little leaguer readying for an “at bat.”Continue reading “Life As a Game, Batter Up!”
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 “New” Old Relationship
At Mt. Sinai, while the Decalogue was delivered to the Children of Israel, there neither king annointed or the coronation of one. Rather, the holy mountain experience was a deity covenanting with his nation. The Israelites understood, as was written in stone, that their particular relationship was with a “jealous” God. Exodus 20:5. Thus, theContinue reading “The “New” Old Relationship”
It Could Have Been Eleven
But these go to eleven This is Spinal Tap The Prophet Zephaniah- whose book is located in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Twelve Prophets-delivered some brilliant wisdom. This post-Torah scripture passage is Decalogue-worthy. If the Ten Commandments had not been written in stone and codified in the Torah, this Prophet’s declaration – in the spiritContinue reading “It Could Have Been Eleven”
The Value of Order
“The righteous person shall live though his faith” Habbakuk Laws are merely words. Whether set in stone, written on papyrus, or printed on paper, they standing alone are meaningless. The Prophet Habakkuk addresses this matter in this Ten Commandments’ moment. Is the Decalogue alone of no value? This article explores what gives meaning to law.Continue reading “The Value of Order”
The Ten Commandments Project 