“And he took the scroll of the covenant and read in the people’s ears” Exodus 24:7 The Torah Portion Mishpatim illustrates the challenges of legal literacy. In antiquity, was it possible for a fledgling nation to disseminate the concepts of societal boundaries and affirmative duties upon its citizenry? If so, what methodology could be employedContinue reading “Setting Things In Stone? Mishpatim”
Tag Archives: ten commandments
The Secular Educational Value of The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments’ utility in secular educational is extensive. A discussion of the Decalogue’s historical value could constitute a semester’s long political science class. The Ten Commandments is one of the essential documents which has advanced both political philosophy and law. Understand modern governance would be replete without touching upon it. Prior to the TenContinue reading “The Secular Educational Value of The Ten Commandments”
The Top Ten? The Big Ten? Yitro
“As horrible as this is (especially in light the Aqedah), it conveys the seriousness of this commandment and of the principle that the Ten Commandments outweigh other laws.” Richard Elliott Friedman, Commentary on The Torah In legal systems, some laws override others. For example, the United States essentially has two forms of law- State andContinue reading “The Top Ten? The Big Ten? Yitro”
Sabbath Origins? Bechlach
And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because He ceased from doing all his work, which God created Genesis 2:3 While the Sabbath was established at Creation’s completion, the day of rest was imposed upon the Children of Israel. After leaving Egypt, in the Torah Portion Bechlach, Sabbath rules commenced. Before Mt.Continue reading “Sabbath Origins? Bechlach”
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”
Vayegash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
“Why are you upset, and why has your face fallen? Is it not that if you do well you’ll be raised, and if you don’t do well sin crouches at the threshold. And its desire will be for you. And you’ll dominate it.” Genesis 4:6 Inevitably, people get in trouble. Past misdeeds often pull individualsContinue reading “Vayegash’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Genesis’ Ultimate Technicolor Ten Commandments’ Portion: Vayeshev
The Torah Portion Vayeshev overflows with Ten Commandments’ moments. Even Vayeshev’s last sentence echos a moment of Decalogue drama and reflection. The last line is literary genius. Short of the Commandments handed down at Mt. Sinai, Yayehev’s tales of Joseph and others touch on an abundance of Decalogue topics. Nine out of the TenContinue reading “Genesis’ Ultimate Technicolor Ten Commandments’ Portion: Vayeshev”
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 Father’s Plan: A Lech Lecha Ten Commandments’ Moment?
The Lech Lecha Torah Portion cannot be read in isolation. Immediately prior to it, the Torah passages provide a contextual dimension to Abraham. These pre-Lech Lecha facts are often not addressed in extra-biblical renditions of the story. They may, however, reveal Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ connection like other Book of Genesis passages. Before “Lech Lecha”,Continue reading “A Father’s Plan: A Lech Lecha Ten Commandments’ Moment?”
Seven? Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Before the Ten Commandments, there were the Seven Noahide laws. We learn of them in the Torah Portion Noah. The Portion Noah richly chronicles the tale of the famous ark builder and animal wrangler. The passages include the famous flood story, a dove with an olive branch, and an amazing rainbow. The rainbow, in thatContinue reading “Seven? Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Ten Commandments Project 