02 Apr 2020

Direct Path Project, Judaic Topics
In a few days, on Passover, we will read in the Haggadah the words that are recited when offering the first fruits of the land on the festival of Shavuot. The verbal formula is introduced by and concludes with directions for the choreography of the offering. It is found in this passage from Deuteronomy: (Deut 26:4-10; NRSV) Introduction: When the priest takes the basket from your hand...
Read more

15 Feb 2020

Bones of Israel, Judaic Topics
I've just completed the section of The Hidden Bones Apocalypse that analyzes the question: When were the special marker phrases that define that Apocalypse inserted into the biblical text? The initial time window is defined on the early end by the translation of the Pentateuch into Greek. I've used a date of 250 BCE for that, although some would say it might be as early as 275 BCE. ...
Read more

14 Feb 2020

Bones of Israel, Judaic Topics
This is an excerpt of a section in our analysis of The Hidden Bones Apocalypse: Shavuot in Ezekiel The reader’s first reaction to the heading of this section might be ‘but there is no Shavuot in Ezekiel’. That is the standard reading of Ezekiel, of course. It is said that Ezekiel ignores Shavuot in his listing of the festivals because he wrote from the perspective of exile. Shavuot...
Read more

19 Apr 2019

Bones of Israel, Judaic Topics
One of the conflicts presented in the Book of Daniel involves the power to ‘change the times and the seasons’.[1] In Dan 2:21 we find Daniel recounting his revelation regarding the king’s dream. He says that it is God who ‘…changes times and seasons…’ In Chapter 7, though, we read of one who will ‘…speak words against the Most High, and will harass the holy ones of the Most High, he w...
Read more

25 Sep 2018

Judaic Topics
Remarks at Temple Emanu El of Westfield -- Sukkot Day 1 In the Amidah this morning we recognized that today is a zman simchateinu, a time of our rejoicing, but some call Sukkot The Festival of Insecurity. On one hand we’re told to be joyful and festive. And on the other, we’re to dwell in temporary and insecure huts, as a reminder that God made the Israelites dwell in booths after ...
Read more

06 Jun 2018

Bones of Israel, Judaic Topics
After teaching a class on The Seven Bones of Israel (see my post in February 2017) on the Shavuot just passed I decided to take a break from the ethics project. The Seven Bones idea is an intriguing one and, having taught it twice now, it seemed to me that there is interest in it from both clergy and interested lay students. Its subject is expansive enough to support a (short) book-le...
Read more

12 Apr 2018

Judaic Topics
The account of the deaths of Aaron’s sons Nadav and Avihu is the most frequently discussed topic in Parashat Shemini. Most comment addresses what the brothers actually did and why their action merited the punishment they received. The text is not seriously disputed to this extent: the brothers literally took their firepans, put fire in them, placed incense on the fire and brought the ...
Read more

09 Feb 2018

Judaic Topics
In Parashat Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law advises him to create a judicial structure for the people that will reduce the burden on Moses and provide for a more efficient process of resolving disputes. The advice that Jethro gives Moses is reasonable and the text seems to suggest that it was implemented without delay. “Moses heeded his father-in-law and did just as he had said. Moses cho...
Read more

30 Oct 2017

Ethics Project, Judaic Topics
The most commonly found of ethical statements discussed in Golden Rule context is the one I have suggested be called The Ethic of Restraint. That is found in slightly different language from culture to culture and time to time but it is generally represented in such statements as: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to another.” My suggestion that calling this The Ethic of Res...
Read more

30 Oct 2017

Direct Path Project, Judaic Topics
The Direct Path to knowledge of our true nature, which is often called enlightenment, is not actually a path. As the modern non-dual teacher and philosopher Rupert Spira points out, if we think we are on a path we have already missed the mark. The idea of a path suggests that there is a distance to be traveled. Stand up, he suggests, and take a step toward yourself. You can no more do...
Read more