While Joseph’s narrative is packed full of drama, it also includes a multitude of meaningful moments of the Ten Commandments variety. One is an exchange between Joseph and his brothers in the Torah Portion Mikeitz. This particular interaction touches on the Swearing Commandment- “Thou Shalt Not Use the Lord’s name in vain.” Swearing, within theContinue reading “A Mikeitz’ Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Nature of Words”
Tag Archives: torah
A Hanukkah Ten Commandments’ Moment: Covenant Signs Matter
I saw the sign And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign Ace of Base Biblical Covenants can include signs. From Noah’s Post-Flood World to Abraham to the Children of Israel on Mt. Sinai, each of these eternal God-Human accords have a symbol. Thus, seeing a rainbow or attending a bris [ritual circumcisionContinue reading “A Hanukkah Ten Commandments’ Moment: Covenant Signs Matter”
Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?
And the man Moses was very humble, more than every human who was on the face of the earth Numbers 12:3 How does one become humble? The Torah Portion Vayeshev provides an answer; it is a Master Class in humiliation. Humiliation. as Vayeshev indicates, is a humbling mechanism. The Hebrew Bible values an individual’s capacityContinue reading “Vayeshev: Origins of Humility?”
Vayishlach:The Line
At that time many who sought righteousness and justice went out into the wilderness… 1 Maccabees 2:29 Do societies have breaking points? Can there be immovable cries of ‘enough is enough!’? If so, are leaders involved? Do these leaders possess unique capacities and characteristics? The answers to these questions begin with the Torah Portion Vayishlach.Continue reading “Vayishlach:The Line”
Poetry On Odds?
Can a poem can be reduced to a statistical discourse? While not an eclectic Tom Lehrer composition, a scriptural poem’s profound imagery can be reduced to numbers. For Mr. Leher, his song –The Elements- provides Chemistry Student a tool for memorizing the Periodic Table. For the Hebrew Bible’s Psalm #1, a numerical calculus is suggestedContinue reading “Poetry On Odds?”
The Poetry of Politics?
The Book of Psalms, is a collection of 150 poems. While they are attributed to King David, historically, the Psalms were written by a variety of individuals. Further, their composition and crafting span hundreds of years. It is opined that they were compiled into final form during the Babylonian exile. Psalms are used within dailyContinue reading “The Poetry of Politics?”
Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
“… be watchful to do all the laws and the judgments that I’m putting in front of you today.” Deuteronomy 11:26 Before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Children of Israel are reminded about their Divine Covenant. Laws and judgments are to be followed. In juxtaposition, the Patriarch Isaac is confined toContinue reading “Toldot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Virtue Unleashed? Lech Lecha
Can one person transform the world? According to the Torah Portion Lech Lecha, “Yes.” For over two thousand years, scholars, commentators, and social scientists have tackled the Lech Lecha phenomena. In Modernity In 2000, Malcolm Gladwell explored the viral nature of human activity. In The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference,Continue reading “Virtue Unleashed? Lech Lecha”
The Question: “Why?” Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Make it make sense? The Torah Portion Noah’s Post-Flood Covenant should have solved all of the world’s problems. Correct? After all, the God-Human covenant assured that a world would not be subjected to another deity inflicted devastation. It was also sealed with a rainbow! Only a double rainbow could have made it better!! Genesis 8:21-22.Continue reading “The Question: “Why?” Lech Lecha’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
Of Covenants, Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
All creative work is derivative Nina Paley What is new may in fact be old. Painting with a different color scheme; playing music in a faster tempo; or re-purposing medications for a different disease. Incremental innovations can constitute newness. Slight changes may be just as impactful as radical innovation. The latter may, in fact, beContinue reading “Of Covenants, Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
The Ten Commandments Project 