If only one Torah Portion could be read to appreciate the scripture’s societal significance, what would it be? While Yitro, which tells of the Ten Commandments received from Mt. Sinai would be one suggestion, the Portion Kedoshim is likely the consensus choice. Kedoshim, however, is absent any drama or visual stimulation. The reader encounters aContinue reading “The Best We Got?”
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It Could Have Been Eleven
But these go to eleven This is Spinal Tap The Prophet Zephaniah- whose book is located in the Hebrew Bible’s Book of Twelve Prophets-delivered some brilliant wisdom. This post-Torah scripture passage is Decalogue-worthy. If the Ten Commandments had not been written in stone and codified in the Torah, this Prophet’s declaration – in the spiritContinue reading “It Could Have Been Eleven”
The Metaphor
“Who is in charge?” “Who is not?” The Hebrew Bible includes much content addressing the relationship between God and Humanity. With the Ten Commandments, a covenant between a deity and the Children of Israel was established. With this covenant, the deity- authority- propounded directives upon the people. These directives- th Decalogue- were further expanded uponContinue reading “The Metaphor”
Procedural Values
You Can Read The Bill After It Passes Nancy Pelosi The mere act of transmission can impart values. While the Decalogue- stand alone- is rich with laws and morals, the wonderous delivery of Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel at Mt. Sinai provides deep and impactful message. With a Rock Star Prophet-Moses- and aContinue reading “Procedural Values”
The Value of Order
“The righteous person shall live though his faith” Habbakuk Laws are merely words. Whether set in stone, written on papyrus, or printed on paper, they standing alone are meaningless. The Prophet Habakkuk addresses this matter in this Ten Commandments’ moment. Is the Decalogue alone of no value? This article explores what gives meaning to law.Continue reading “The Value of Order”
The Visionary End
While the Ten Commandments addressed the Israelite nation’s internal affairs, international policies were also necessary. Foreign policy expression was no easy task; it became further confounded when the Israelite nation splintered into Northern and Southern Kingdoms. As with the Decalogue, was foreign policy also influenced by divine input? The Hebrew Bible contains scripture in whichContinue reading “The Visionary End”
Where No Man Has Gone…A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Metzora
Once in awhile, I catch a re-run of the television series Star Trek, The Next Generation. This Star Trek sequel went out of its way to express new world visions beyond those of the original. For example, while the original Enterprise crew engaged in clashes, dark humor and comedic put downs, the Next Generation crewContinue reading “Where No Man Has Gone…A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Metzora”
Priorities: Tazria’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
The Torah Portion Tazria spells out an essential commandment. It is one that rivals the Decalogue in import. The portion commands that “on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumsized.” Leviticus 12:3. In Hebrew, the ceremony for that event is called “Brit Milah”. With this, we have our Ten Commandments’ moment:Continue reading “Priorities: Tazria’s Ten Commandments’ Moment”
A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Ultimate Sacrifice?
“Why do I need your numerous sacrifices?” The Book of Isaiah 1:11 Beyond two tablets with laws set in stone, the Decalogue has external factors. The scheme establishes relationships: God-Human and Human-Human. The Torah provides two unique tracts of administering justice/morality. For God-Human relations, sacrifices were instituted. Some of these sacrifices, i.e. sin or guiltContinue reading “A Book of Isaiah Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Ultimate Sacrifice?”
Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?
Finding “Ten Commandments’ Moments” within each and every weekly Torah Portion is challenging. Cubits, genealogies and the instructions for priestly sacrifices offer impediments. The Portion Tzav ironically is one involving priestly sacrifice. Tzav discusses burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings in much detail. Is there a connection between these sacrifices and the Ten Commandments?Continue reading “Tzav, A Ten Commandments’ Moment?”
The Ten Commandments Project 