Out of a fiery Mt. Sinai, the Ten Commandments forged a covenant set in stone. At the moment, there was an accord. After that moment, it became something else. Since Mt. Sinai to the present, the Decalogue has become valued as an individual’s code of conduct. It remains, however, serving a greater purpose. The covenantContinue reading “The Secular Ten Commandments: Core Community Values”
Tag Archives: richard elliott friedman
Bamidbar: Superorganism?
To understand the Israelite class structure, the concept of a superorganism should be considered. A superorganism is neither “super” nor is it a mere “organism,” rather, it is the recognition that a species or group can depart from individuality. Superorganisms are societies which function as an organic whole. A biological concept tied to it isContinue reading “Bamidbar: Superorganism?”
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 The Beginning, There Was Hebrew School
While teaching their respective university classes, two renowned Hebrew Bible Scholars exposed themselves as to their humble beginnings. At Yale Divinity School, Professor and Author Joel Baden, when lecturing on the Book of Genesis’ dual flood narratives, broke out into a fine rendition of “Noah, he built em, he built em, an arky arky…” AtContinue reading “In The Beginning, There Was Hebrew School”
Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May”
Legalese is full of magical incantation; alchemous word precision can secure financial victory or exact an extended incarceration. With these stakes, Judges and Lawyers use their words wisely. Ambiguity within legalese is the murky moat of despair. As such, translations of legal works can serve as bucketfuls of polluted moat water. Unclear, imprecise and biasedContinue reading “Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May””
Teruma’s Ten Commandments’ Moment : InTent
The Torah Portion Teruma bolsters the Exodus’ historicity. Teruma explicitly details construction matters for the Mishkan aka Tabernacle. The Tabernacle’s discuss is part of Richard Elliott Friedman’s argument that an Exodus did occur. Scholars have connected the Tabernacle’s design to another structure from antiquity. The Mishkan’s design bears similarity to Pharoah Ramses II’s War Tent that wasContinue reading “Teruma’s Ten Commandments’ Moment : InTent”
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?”
Richard Elliott Friedman’s “The Exodus” In Review
as a lawyer, one of my most exhilarating moment was a special hearing i did on behalf of a friend who was a client. the hearing was essentially a trial and appellate argument combined. all of my lawyering skills were taxed. it represented a culmination of years of study, practice and research. it was myContinue reading “Richard Elliott Friedman’s “The Exodus” In Review”
He Thought Cinco De Mayo Was His Birthday: A Ten Commandments’ Tale
cinco de mayo commemorates mexico’s victory in the battle of puebla against the french in 1862. in california, the mexican holiday is celebrated much like st. patrick’s day. a large segment of population are moved to consume both ethnic fare and beverage. years ago, it has been told that, on the 5th of may, aContinue reading “He Thought Cinco De Mayo Was His Birthday: A Ten Commandments’ Tale”
The Ten Commandments Project 