The art of your enemy is sometimes your friend In 81 CE, the Roman Arch of Titus was unveiled. The artwork- a monument-commemorated the Roman Empire’s 71 CE victory over the Judean Rebellion in the Levant. During the conflict, in 71 CE, the Judean’s Second Temple was destroyed. The Judean’s original Temple, the Temple ofContinue reading “Art as a History Lesson”
Tag Archives: torah
Of Good & Evil
A friend asked me “why are houses get broken into?” I explained to them that houses, by their design, are meant to be entered into. Likewise, I added, homes are meant to be a place for people to store their possessions. I said that since houses have doors and windows were built they are placesContinue reading “Of Good & Evil”
The Ten Commandments Further Defined
In Law, each and every word matters. Often, traditional dictionary’s definitions do not match legal definitions; sometimes, even Black’s Law Dictionary does not suffice. With each and every word being important for both interpretation and application of any particular law, legislators often will include a section in a particular statute or regulation that specifically definesContinue reading “The Ten Commandments Further Defined”
What’s In A Name? Bamidbar
The Torah Portion Bamidbar, while describing a head count, goes no to list a large number of individual’s names. Biblical names were defining; names, as we learn from the Torah, have currency. The best example of a defining name comes from Moses’ Burning Bush encounter. Moses queries God as to what name he should provideContinue reading “What’s In A Name? Bamidbar”
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”
The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai
Contracts can be life-changing. As such, an attorney’s deep understanding of the parties allows for them to negotiate a “win-win” deal. Thus, knowing who you are dealing with is part of the artistry of the deal. In a divorce matter, I offered a husband advice concerning the dissolution’s last controversy. It involved the division ofContinue reading “The Art of the Deal, Choseness & Bechukotai”
A Critique & Review: ” Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins”
Professor Jacob Wright’s book “Why The Bible Began” tackles a question as mysterious as to “Who wrote the Bible?” As most of the Hebrew Bible’s authors are unknown, the likelihood of finding extrabiblical evidence of their intent is even more challenging. Professor Wright, while taking time to explore some of the non-biblical resources, relies heavilyContinue reading “A Critique & Review: ” Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins””
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?”
Behar, The Greater Sabbath
The Torah Portion Behar expands upon the notion of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is greater concept than the one expressed within the Ten Commandments. While resting remains central, the Sabbath’s target and duration has changed. With the Decalogue, Humans and Working Animals were to afforded to day off. This was in accord that the IsraeliteContinue reading “Behar, The Greater Sabbath”
In All Fairness
Unfairness may be the one word that most depicts the Human Condition. The Torah Portion Emor addresses fairness within a multitude of dimensions. It is a deity’s solution towards addressing inequity. Emor, however, begins with directives and restrictions to those of the Israelite Priestly class. The sons of Aaron had limits like no other Israelite.Continue reading “In All Fairness”
The Ten Commandments Project 