Blessings In Perspective; Toldot

the controversy surrounding jacob’s theft of esau’s blessing from isaac should not be taken in isolation. generational blessing controversies tell us much about the character of those making the blessings. in chayeih sarah, there is the first generational blessing genesis 25:5 has abraham giving all of his possessions to isaac. abraham also gave gifts toContinue reading “Blessings In Perspective; Toldot”

3-D Righteousness: Lech Lecha

the phrase “3-D chess” connotes a higher intellect. the original star trek television series’ introduced 3-D chess as a futuristic recreational activity. the fact that mr. spock took his time to play it logically implied that the game was for those with great intellect and reason. the term “3-D chess” has two components. first, thereContinue reading “3-D Righteousness: Lech Lecha”

“In His Image” Day?

the list goes on forever, there is “taco” day, “hamburger” day and “donut” day. today, this friday, according to some, is being offered up as “jihad” day. with no rules and regulations concerning “day” claiming, the ten commandments project has chosen to declare today as today “in his image” day. “in his image” day pertainsContinue reading ““In His Image” Day?”

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?”

Stepping Back: What About Isaac?

every jewish new year [rosh hashonah] there is the built-in controversy of the torah reading of the binding of isaac or akedah. this portion serves rabbis and other commentators well with sermons as to whether abraham right or wrong to follow god’s directive to sacrifice his child isaac? they get to ask “what should beContinue reading “Stepping Back: What About Isaac?”

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”

Anthony Robbins & The Torah; Shoftim

anthony robbins’ awaken the giant within profoundly changed my life. to be a success in the game of life, one not only needs to have goals, they also need a strategy to accomplish them. awaken the giant within integrates goal setting with goal completion. many people are full of regrets; i always hear more “iContinue reading “Anthony Robbins & The Torah; Shoftim”

Things, Words & Actions: D’varim

either we are told or we come to our senses, it is time to act. enough! life is full of game changing moments. major moves must happen. the torah captures abraham at the beginning of his grand venture. he and sarah are told to get up and go. in lech lecha, the two’s move, however,Continue reading “Things, Words & Actions: D’varim”

The Psychic Cat Meets Sun Tzu

it is wise to know in advance a fight’s outcome. when victory is uncertain, it is brave to battle. this makes to most interesting of a cat fight. meow, baby! a nordic fahrenheit 613- a torah burning-was green lit by swedish authorities and scheduled for last saturday. the psychic cat purrrfectly opined concerning the shareholdersContinue reading “The Psychic Cat Meets Sun Tzu”

Magna Carta Or Matot-Massei? Who Deserves Due (Process) Credit?

the 1215 english magna carta is credited for the notion of “due process”. “due process”, per black’s law dictionary, fifth edition, is “law in its regular course of administration through courts of justice. the magna carta’s “due process” legacy extended across the pond to be embraced by the rebellious colonies which formed the united statesContinue reading “Magna Carta Or Matot-Massei? Who Deserves Due (Process) Credit?”