name_meaning

From Sinai to Silicon: Biblical Insights for Software, AI, and Cybersecurity

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nl2fdN4kC0_dETvir__R9gaUJs_L_93-/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108254877604131046847&rtpof=true&sd=true

This book grew out of my weekly writings, where I drew eternal lessons from the Bible and applied them to the modern disciplines of software development,

Genesis and Software Development: A Blueprint for Collaborative Creation

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/genesis-and-software-development-a-blueprint-for-collaborative-creation-3f29ad539cbf

Ancient wisdom meets modern software development, revealing surprising parallels between divine creation and coding practices. The post shows how God, like a master developer, used iterative design and responded to "feature requests" from humanity - exemplified through the creation of woman and the advent of rain. Drawing from both religious commentary and real-world software development experience, including insights from banking app security decisions, the post illuminates how user feedback shapes creation, whether divine or digital. This unique perspective deepens our understanding of both biblical text and software development.

In the Beginning

Explore how divine creation reflects iterative design, human input, and the power of feedback in creating solutions.

https://i.postimg.cc/cCZn78hK/Bereshit-2024.png

Noah's Ark: Rethinkg Project Success and Failure

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/noahs-ark-rethinking-project-success-and-failure-b54fe6c4dc8b

Was Noah's ark a success or failure? Noah followed the specifications and delivered a successful product. Many commentaries say he entirely failed. All projects can learn from his failure.

Noah

Rethink success: Noah’s Ark met its mission but missed its bigger goal. Like in tech, sometimes ‘failure’ sparks the most profound discoveries

https://i.postimg.cc/mD16Z1Jq/noah-2024-boat-project.png

The First Recorded Company Spinoff: A Lesson from Parsha Lech Lecha

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-first-recorded-company-spinoff-a-lesson-from-parsha-lech-lecha-8c47f4bfffac

Abraham and Lot's separation presents a compelling parallel to modern business spinoffs, offering timeless insights into organizational decision-making. It highlights how Avraham's prioritization of ethical values and spiritual mission contrasts with Lot's focus on material wealth and comfort. The story serves as a timeless lesson, emphasizing the importance of aligning goals and values in decision-making. It underscores that while strategic separations can lead to greater focus and success, prioritizing profit over principles may result in unforeseen consequences.

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Go Forth!

Lot’s choice to leave Abraham and settle in Sodom mirrors modern tech spin-offs. Prioritizing profit over values, may lead to unexpected consequences.

https://i.postimg.cc/pdqsJJb3/lech-lecha.png

What Would Your Billboard Say? Lessons from Lot and the Rissk of Superficial Coding

What Would Your Billboard Say? Lessons from Lot and the Rissk of Superficial Coding

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/what-would-your-billboard-say-lessons-from-lot-and-the-risks-of-superficial-coding-69451b87c67b

Might think too technical...it is not! Modern software development, with its abundance of AI tools and ready-made solutions, mirrors the biblical contrast between Abraham's authentic values and Lot's superficial imitation—challenging developers to choose between deep understanding and mere copying. While these tools offer significant efficiency gains, the rise of "copy and paste programming" threatens code quality and maintainability, making it crucial for developers to build genuine comprehension alongside utilizing modern resources.

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And He Appeared

Your code reflects your values: Are you Abraham, coding with deep understanding, or Lot, just copying what looks right?

https://i.postimg.cc/Qdq2v5ZJ/Vayeria-2024-billboard.png

The Rebecca Principle: Kindness is a Work Ethic

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-rebecca-principle-kindness-is-a-work-ethic-a698823680bf

The Rebecca Principle demonstrates that kindness, far from being a passive virtue, is a powerful driver of professional excellence. When Rebecca offered to water ten camels at the well, her extraordinary kindness, not just her competence, was the catalyst that led her to embrace an undefined task without hesitation. While she had the practical ability to estimate the work and the strength to complete it, it was her kindness that motivated her to volunteer in the first place, showing that kindness is an active force that drives people to take on challenging commitments. This ancient narrative mirrors modern professional challenges, teaching us that genuine kindness, combined with competence, creates the highest form of work ethic.

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The Life of Sarah

Rebecca’s kindness at the well teaches us that embracing uncertainty with determination is the heart of true professionalism.

https://i.postimg.cc/wxh5t92y/Chaya-sara-2025-truck.jpg

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/a-chip-off-the-old-block-87d1c14cf4b0

In this captivating exploration, uncover the profound parallels between biblical family dynamics and contemporary business challenges. Learn how personal and organizational identity shapes success, drawing insights from the powerful story of Isaac, Esau, and Jacob. Discover three strategic approaches to defining your unique path in a competitive world, blending inherited legacy with innovative thinking.

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Generations

Ancient wisdom for today’s business: explore how biblical identities shape modern strategies in personal and corporations behavior.

https://i.postimg.cc/QMx2DtXG/Toldot-2024-splitting-image.png

Jacob's Secret: Lessons in Strategic Discretion for Modern Tech

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/jacobs-secret-lessons-in-strategic-discretion-for-modern-tech-0ccef3aa933e

Jacob’s dream offers striking parallels to modern software development. Just as the Bible guarded the location of Jacob’s divine encounter, companies today protect their knowledge to maintain a competitive edge. Biblical wisdom illuminates the importance of secrecy and transparency by considering potential damage, competitive advantage and internal conflict. Bible commentary offers valuable insights into the timeless principles of information management.

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And He Went Out

Learn how biblical discretion applies to modern tech, revealing when to shield knowledge and the power of strategic information sharing.

https://i.postimg.cc/5tT5z0Dv/Vayetzei-2024-conference.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/plundered-code-treasure-or-trap-1abf7ae96f99

Jacob’s family faces a moral dilemma: the allure of easily accessible, “plundered” goods versus the potential dangers they may harbor. This parallels the modern software development world, where developers often incorporate external code to accelerate progress. However, this practice can introduce vulnerabilities and security risks. By examining Jacob's decision to purge his household of idols, we can learn valuable lessons about the importance of carefully vetting and securing external code to protect our digital projects.

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And He Sent Out

Explore how Jacob’s biblical wisdom on plundered treasures parallels modern software risks, guiding developers to safeguard code integrity.

https://i.postimg.cc/6TJcpHn4/Vayishlach-2024-radioactive-idol.png

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Teams: Prioritizing Diverse Voices

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/ancient-wisdom-for-modern-teams-prioritizing-diverse-voices-e057cdc35ad4

The story of Joseph’s sale into slavery highlights the dangers of groupthink and the importance of hearing diverse voices, particularly those less powerful or junior. The story of Joseph reveals how groupthink led to ignoring Reuben's wisdom in favor of the leader, Judah's expedient solution. This ancient lesson teaches modern software teams to value quieter voices and ethical decision-making over quick consensus. By combining diverse perspectives with AI-driven analysis, teams can find optimal solutions while preserving moral integrity.

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And He Settled

Ancient wisdom teaches a vital lesson: include junior voices first. NASA and a biblical tale show the cost of ignoring fresh perspectives.

https://i.postimg.cc/MK12bNs4/Vayeshev-2024-ancient-group-argument.png

The Interview: When Dreams Come True (and Pharaoh Needs a COO)

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-interview-when-dreams-come-true-and-pharaoh-needs-a-coo-20c76952df5d

In this humorous reimagining of the Biblical story, Joseph faces a modern HR interview for the role of Vizier of Egypt, complete with resume review and behavioral questions. While Pharaoh is convinced by Joseph's dream interpretation and problem-solving abilities, the HR department raises concerns about his slave status, religious differences, and an unresolved allegation from Potiphar's wife, only to be overruled by Pharaoh's divine conviction. This playful piece contrasts ancient and modern hiring practices to suggest that today's structured interview processes might overlook exceptional candidates who don't fit conventional qualifications, particularly in software development where divine inspiration (or its modern equivalent) might be more valuable than traditional credentials.

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At the End

HR tries blocking Joseph's promotion to Vizier despite Pharaoh's approval. Divine qualifications trump background check in this Biblical hiring twist.

https://i.postimg.cc/4yC2YNT3/Miketz-2024-pharoah-joseph.jpg

Evolving Leadership: Insights from the Bible

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/evolving-leadership-insights-from-the-bible-f5b51d88ccd8

The account of Joseph and Judah reveals how different leadership styles, compassion and courage, can effectively address varying organizational challenges. Through Joseph's strategic governance and Judah's sacrificial leadership, we see patterns relevant to modern startup management and succession planning. The contrast between Pharaoh's rigid dynasty and Jacob's adaptive leadership model offers valuable insights for today's organizations navigating growth and transition.

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And He Approached

Explore Parsha Vayigash's timeless leadership lessons on compassion and courage and how they apply to today's software startups.

https://i.postimg.cc/fWthkJYM/Vayigash-2024-split-window-leadership.jpg

From embalming to Encoding; Lessons in Documentation Across Millennia

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/from-embalming-to-encoding-lessons-in-documentation-across-millennia-fd63c1ce259f

The narrative of Jacob and Joseph's final days is ingeniously paralleled with software development documentation practices. Drawing insights from ancient Egyptian embalming techniques and biblical traditions, the article demonstrates how critical knowledge preservation is across disciplines. Just as Egyptian embalmers prioritized religious rituals over technical details, software developers must meticulously document their processes to prevent knowledge loss. The text advocates for robust documentation strategies, highlighting the importance of automated testing, meaningful version control commit messages, and creating "living documentation" that captures not just what was done, but why. By treating code documentation like a historical record—similar to how biblical narratives preserve context and intention—developers can ensure that their technical knowledge remains accessible, understandable, and transferable to future generations, thus mitigating the risks associated with "tribal knowledge" and legacy code.

And He Lived

Ancient Egyptians lost embalming knowledge by keeping it secret. Like Jacob's final words, good code needs clear documentation.

https://i.postimg.cc/QdsL6mwM/Vayechi-2025-embalming.jpg

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/moses-the-consummate-salesman-2595a7e45d17

Name one product that's still in active use 3,500 years after launch. I'll wait.
There isn't one—except for what Moses 'sold' to the Israelites. The longest customer retention rate in human history belongs to a reluctant salesman who initially told God to 'find someone else.'
Moses wasn't just a leader or miracle worker—he was a master salesman using psychological tactics that modern sales teams are still applying today.
Ready to learn from the greatest salesman in history? Read how his techniques can transform your sales approach.

Names

Moses, God's reluctant salesman, masterfully used modern persuasion tactics (Primacy/Recency) to sell redemption to Israel, sealing the ultimate deal at Sinai.

https://i.postimg.cc/SRzVq02p/pharoah.png

The Hardening of the Heart: A Software Developer’s Perspective on Free Will

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-hardening-of-the-heart-a-software-developers-perspective-on-free-will-4fb3c18194e28194e2

Delve into the concept of free will, using Parsha Vaera from the Bible to explore the topic. It discusses Pharaoh's hardened heart, Maimonides' views on free will, and modern applications, particularly in the software development industry. By examining historical and contemporary examples, it highlights the significance of our choices and the factors that influence them. The piece encourages readers to reflect on their own decisions and the extent to which they exercise true free will.

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And I Appeared

Explore free will through Parsha Vaera. From Pharaoh's hardened heart to software developers' choices, discover lessons in decision-making.

https://i.postimg.cc/L8vWxpjy/Vaera-2025-cartoon-programmers-room.png

The Plagues of Misunderstood Requirements: Lessons from Parsha Bo

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-plagues-of-misunderstood-requirements-lessons-from-parsha-bo-09738bb7beda

Pharaoh's misunderstanding of Moses' demands resulted in Egypt's devastation. Similarly, in software development, misinterpreting requirements can lead to project failure. Ensuring precise understanding and communication of requirements is key to success, as exemplified by the Israelites' adherence to Moses' instructions, which spared them from the plagues and led to their liberation. This underscores the critical need for clarity and alignment in modern projects. By learning from the story of Parsha Bo, developers can better navigate the complexities of software development and deliver projects that exceed expectations.

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Come!

Pharaoh's failure to understand Moses' requirements brought plagues to Egypt. Learn how you can avoid similar costly misunderstandings.

https://i.postimg.cc/fTmPR4tB/Bo-2025-splash.png

Debugging Doubt: Nahshon's Leap of Faith and the Power of Initiative

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/debugging-doubt-nahshons-leap-of-faith-and-the-power-of-initiative-5736c496fe30

At a pivotal moment in the Exodus story, when the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Sea of Reeds, distinct leadership styles emerged that offer insights for modern teams. While Moses represented executive leadership bound by duty and divine command, it was Nahshon ben Aminadav's spontaneous leap of faith, an act of individual initiative, that ultimately broke the deadlock and led to the people's salvation.

This biblical narrative illuminates a crucial insight for today's development teams: different roles require different motivations, with leaders acting from responsibility while individual contributors often perform best when driven by personal initiative. Just as Nahshon's bold action complemented Moses's leadership at the Sea of Reeds, modern organizations thrive when they create space for both structured guidance and autonomous contribution, recognizing that the strongest teams balance leadership, individual initiative, and collective effort.

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When He Sent Out

A Bible story of faith, leadership, and individual initiative at the Sea of Reeds offers surprising insights for modern development teams.

https://i.postimg.cc/fyXFCSvX/Beshalach-2025-bus-split-sea.png

Building Robust Systems: The Jethro Model

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/building-robust-systems-the-jethro-model-5a3612b6c5e1

A fascinating intersection of ancient wisdom and modern organizational principles through the story of Moses' father-in-law, who revolutionized the Israelite judicial system with a scalable hierarchical structure. This organizational model demonstrates that effective systems require both proper structure and clear principles. The story highlights three key lessons for modern software development: the importance of accepting outside perspectives, the value of systematic problem-solving, and the necessity of scalable organizational structures. Just as Jethro helped Moses create a sustainable system that could handle increasing complexity, these principles can guide modern developers in building robust, scalable software systems. The parallel between Jethro's ancient model and modern organizational structures, as exemplified by the Israeli Defense Forces, shows how fundamental organizational principles transcend time and technology.

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Jethro

Jethro: Pagan priest turned management guru! His ancient wisdom from Exodus builds robust teams & solves problems in modern orgs

https://i.postimg.cc/FR6G2FKZ/Yethro-2025-coffee-in-tent.jpg

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/forty-days-no-wiggle-room-cfda12bbc71a

Forty Days: No Wiggle Room!" draws a parallel between Moses' 40 days on Mount Sinai and the duration of software development sprints, using the Parsha Mishpatim as a backdrop. It explores the concept of imbuing deadlines with greater significance, akin to the "magic" associated with the number 40 in the Bible. By understanding the different levels of responsibility assigned to guardians in the Parsha, software teams can establish clearer accountability for meeting deadlines. The piece argues that structured timelines, similar to Moses' 40-day reception of the Torah, are essential for delivering high-quality software. Ultimately, it encourages teams to "make deadlines 'holy'" by treating them as firm commitments, fostering a culture of ownership and on-time delivery.

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Laws

Deadlines slipping? "Forty Days: No Wiggle Room!" applies biblical wisdom to software sprints. Make time sacred, and boost commitment!

https://i.postimg.cc/xCHfRfTB/mishpatim-2025-forty-superman.png

The Tabernacle's Blueprint: Divine Documentation

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-tabernacle-blueprints-divine-documentation-818b5e5d7883

In an age of instant results, Parshat Terumah offers a timeless lesson in the power of process. Instead of relying on miracles, the biblical design of the Tabernacle emphasizes detailed planning, skilled execution, and shared ownership—principles echoed in engineering, leadership, and team-building today. True value isn't just in what we build, but in how we invest ourselves in the building.

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Donation

From miracles to blueprints, Parshat Terumah shows that lasting value comes from building with care, not waiting for magic.

https://i.postimg.cc/MTHdPfzH/Teruma-np-ikea-mishkan.png

Sacred Garments, Office Wear: Finding Purpose in Dress

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/sacred-garments-office-wear-finding-purpose-in-dress-d4bcc015b871

What we wear is as important as what we do. Just as the Torah elevates priestly garments, our office dress code can restore purpose, cohesion, and professionalism as we return onsite. Instead of forcing employees back to uninspiring offices, companies should implement thoughtful dress codes paired with meaningful clothing allowances—transforming office return from punishment into purposeful investment in professional dignity.

You Shall Command

Tetzaveh teaches that dress reflects purpose. As we return onsite, a dress code with support can restore professionalism and shared mission.

https://i.postimg.cc/Xq1vTztD/Tetzaveh-dress-for-office.png

When Authority Replaces Accuracy: The Risk of AI Misrepresentation

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/when-authority-replaces-accuracy-the-risk-of-ai-misrepresentation-da9d734566bf

When Jerome mistranslated one Hebrew word in the 4th century, "horned Moses" fed antisemitic stereotypes for 1,500 years—proving that authority can make error endure longer than intention. Today's AI systems operate the same way: they don't reason, they predict patterns, generating confident "hallucinations" that sound authoritative but may be completely false. To restore discernment, we must adopt a new standard: the RADIANT Test, compelling us to verify before accepting.

When You Count

One mistranslation gave Moses horns for 1,500 years. Today's AI makes the same confident errors. Learn when to trust—and when to verify—digital truth.

https://i.postimg.cc/2ysWdx02/kit_tisi_2025x_moses_rays.png

Hidden Skills: What Resumes Don't Reveal

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/hidden-skills-what-resumes-dont-reveal-30be9820b375

The Israelites who built the Tabernacle had no formal training—only hidden skills shaped by observation, heritage, and quiet practice. Their story reminds us that talent often lies dormant until purpose calls it forth. In today’s world of resumes and metrics, the real value still comes from the invisible expertise people bring when the mission matters.

And He Assembled

Hidden skills define true craftsmanship—then and now. Talent awakens when purpose is clear and the call is worthy

https://i.postimg.cc/KjY2hH3h/vayakhel-desert-girl-reflection-2025x.png

From Bezalel to the Bus Factor: Why Top Engineers Quit

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/from-bezalel-to-the-bus-factor-why-top-engineers-quit-094154f88ca6

The Tabernacle (Mishkan) was designed to last 7 years—it functioned for 440. How? Through principles tech teams still struggle with today: rigorous component inspection (unit testing), managing irreplaceable specialists (the 10x engineer paradox), and succession planning (the Bus Factor). Parshat Pekudei isn't just ancient history—it's a masterclass in sustainable project leadership.

Accountings

The Tabernacle lasted 440 years, not 7. Why? Systematic testing, managing genius without dependency, and raising the Bus Factor. Ancient wisdom, modern code.

https://i.postimg.cc/kX8FqWjJ/Pekudei-25x-bus-factor.jpg

From the Altar to the Cloud: A Timeless Guide to Handling Human Error

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/from-the-altar-to-the-cloud-a-timeless-guide-to-handling-human-error-acc76e195b5e

Effective software engineering requires not just fixing bugs but understanding the root cause behind each failure. Ancient systems of error classification, like those in Parashat Vayikra, illustrate how precise categorization of mistakes enables targeted and disciplined remediation. Just as the Torah separates unintentional errors from ethical breaches, modern teams must distinguish between types of faults to apply the right corrective action. This mindset of disciplined classification and reflection leads to stronger, more resilient software and healthier engineering cultures.

And He Called

Ancient error classification models teach software teams to diagnose root causes precisely, enabling smarter fixes and preventing repeat failures

https://i.postimg.cc/mg3GkHM6/Vayikra-2025x-bug-animal-flow.png

The Daily Tzav: How Ancient Generosity Unlocks Modern Collaboration

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-daily-tzav-how-ancient-generosity-unlocks-modern-collaboration-b296cf8de1e9

What if dropping a coin in a charity box on your way into the office could transform your entire workday? This week's Torah portion, Tzav, reveals an ancient practice that modern neuroscience confirms: acts of generosity trigger immediate brain chemistry changes that enhance collaboration and reduce workplace stress. Companies like Salesforce have proven that when teams give together, they work better together—turning individual contributors into unified mission-driven teams.

Command!

A small act of daily giving is both an ancient command and a proven tool for modern success.

https://i.postimg.cc/qRF410K3/Tzav-mailboxes-2025x.jpg

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/is-this-code-kosher-383a91d3b09a

A compelling parallel between the biblical Parsha Shemini and modern software development. Just as Shemini outlines strict criteria for holiness through the Tabernacle inauguration and kosher dietary laws, developers can apply similar principles, clarity, discipline, and accountability to their code. Using the concept of “kosher code,” the piece explores how clean architecture, secure practices, rigorous testing, and ethical AI can elevate software from functional to sacred. The tragic story of Nadab and Avihu underscores the risks of ignoring protocol, making a case for thoughtful, well-documented, and respectful coding practices.

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Eighth

Ancient Kosher laws offer wisdom for modern coders: clear standards, and attention to detail transform ordinary programming into sacred work.

https://i.postimg.cc/bJ4W191p/Shemini-2025-lightning.jpg

Ancient Purity Laws and Software Development Team Health

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/ancient-purity-laws-and-software-development-team-health-16f7133451d7

Dealing with ritual purity and impurity, offer timeless insights into team dynamics in software development. Just as ancient Israelites identified, isolated, and reintegrated those in a state of impurity, modern teams can address interpersonal breakdowns through structured reflection and restoration. Examples include misusing AI tools, knowledge hoarding, or undermining collaboration—issues that benefit from temporary “isolation” and reintegration through mentorship and open dialogue. The article emphasizes the importance of empathy, accountability, and communal healing within teams. By applying these ancient frameworks, software teams can foster stronger trust, clearer communication, and a healthier work culture.

She Bears Seed

Ancient purity laws guide modern dev teams: identify issues, pause, reflect, and reintegrate—building trust through humility and honest repair.

https://i.postimg.cc/q7b9vTRt/Tazria-2025-software-infected.jpg

This Shall Be: Ancient Wisdom for the Age of Digital Shame

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/this-shall-be-ancient-wisdom-for-the-age-of-digital-shame-197d596a2d41

Ancient Jewish law identified something we're still struggling with: the difference between private behavior and its weaponized public exposure. Parshat Metzora provides a complete incident response framework—from rapid content takedown (the "first bird") to community reintegration (the "second bird") to mandatory pause-moments before harmful sharing. Whether you build platforms or raise children, this biblical protocol offers concrete actions for the age of digital shame.

Leprous

Biblical wisdom for cyber-shame: define people by their future ("This Shall Be"), not their trauma. Four ancient steps, one modern crisis—actionable now.

https://i.postimg.cc/QtQ2vSSn/Metzora-2025-broken-fixed-phone.png

Do Not Disturb, Sacred Work in Progress

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/do-not-disturb-sacred-work-in-progress-1e6c795ef38f

"Do Not Disturb, Sacred Work in Progress" draws parallels between ancient Temple rituals detailed in the Torah portion Acharei-Kedoshim and the demands of contemporary software development. It emphasizes the enduring relevance of ethical teachings such as "Love Your Fellow as Yourself," alongside the practical insights derived from commandments related to agricultural practices and the observance of the Sabbath. A key concept explored is the High Priest's use of special white linen vestments on Yom Kippur, which symbolized purity, humility, and an absolute dedication to the sacred and intensely focused task at hand. This ancient practice is likened to the modern software developer's critical need for deep, uninterrupted concentration, proposing the idea of a "focus cloak"—a personal, visible symbol to signify a period of intense work and minimize distractions. The article posits that the fundamental human need to create sacred spaces and signal focused effort transcends time, connecting ancient wisdom with the challenges of modern work environments, be it in a historic Temple or at a computer terminal.

After the Death

Ancient priestly clothing rituals offer surprising wisdom for today's developers: create sacred space and visual signals to protect your focus during deep work.

https://i.postimg.cc/KvGTRB4w/Achaeri-2025-me-color-coat.png

Holy Code: What Fruit Trees Teach Us About Hiring People

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/holy-code-what-fruit-trees-teach-us-about-hiring-people-60b8b301a1b4

My latest analysis uses the ancient ethical laws of the Bible to expose the structural injustice within the H-1B visa program. I show that three-fifths of H-1B jobs are certified at the lowest prevailing wage levels, treating skilled professionals as cheap, interchangeable, indentured labor. The Torah offers a "Holy Code" for business: demanding the patience of an orchardist for long-term investment and the dignity of the stranger to ensure respect and a path to belonging. This piece calls for a critical shift from transactional market logic to one that cherishes people for organizational resilience and enduring success.

Holy Ones

H-1B is a structural injustice. Holy Code demands we stop treating skilled workers as cheap labor. Invest with Patience of Orlah and Dignity of the Stranger.

https://i.postimg.cc/VvbPzzKJ/Kedoshim_conveyor_belt.png

Beyond the Harvest: Schedluling, Software, and Spirituality

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/beyond-the-harvest-scheduling-software-and-spirituality-137b29320333

This article explores the interplay between the biblical calendar outlined in Parshat Emor and the rhythms of both ancient agriculture and modern software development. It highlights how the Torah’s fixed holidays often transcend practical work cycles, emphasizing the importance of sacred pauses even during peak productivity periods. Drawing a parallel to contemporary release schedules, the piece suggests that intentionally setting aside time for rest and reflection remains vital in today’s fast-paced world.

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Speak!

Ancient holidays and software releases both require pausing work for a higher purpose.

https://i.postimg.cc/BvKLdCwL/Emor-2025-tree.jpg

When Marketers and Governments Act Like God

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/when-marketers-and-governments-act-like-god-c025eb89571f

In modern society, marketers and governments frequently employ reward and punishment systems to influence behavior, mimicking divine judgment. While effective, these human-designed frameworks, exemplified by loyalty programs or public health campaigns, lack the true omniscience and transcendence of divine authority.

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On the Mount

What does the Bible, loyalty programs, and anti-smoking ads have in common? How does reward & punishment shape us—in faith and modern life

https://i.postimg.cc/nVPxDtLx/Behar-2025-rock-in-water.jpg

Applying the Principle of Loss Aversion

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/applying-the-principle-of-loss-aversion-0a0bbcbef5a5

The software industry traditionally focuses on the "happy path" and what a system "shall" do, an overemphasis on positive requirements can create significant vulnerabilities. Drawing on a timeless principle from the Bible on loss aversion, we need to be as motivated by preventing loss as we are by achieving gain. By leveraging AI to automatically generate negative test scenarios—or "curses" for every "blessing"—we can build a more resilient, secure, and robust digital future.

In My Statutes

Software focuses on what should work, but loss aversion teaches us to fear what could fail. AI can generate "curses" to build more resilient code.

https://i.postimg.cc/mZSJg3z0/Bechukotai-happy-path-maze.png

Why Software Teams Need More Moses

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/why-software-teams-need-more-moses-47c1516e5306

Modern software teams too often treat developers as interchangeable resources, but the Torah's census in Parshat Bamidbar reveals a better approach: Moses counted souls, not just quantities, recognizing each person's unique value within the collective. Developers must proactively showcase their individual strengths cultivating signature contributions, while leaders must emulate Moses by truly seeing their team members as individuals. This balance between systematic order and personal recognition creates stronger, more effective teams where every person's unique gifts are valued and utilized.

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In the Wilderness

Moses didn't count chairs, he counted souls. Modern software teams need leaders who see individuals, not just resources.

https://i.postimg.cc/d3t0tRn9/bemidbar-2025-chairs-desert.jpg

Large Language Models Respect the Lord

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/large-language-models-respect-the-lord-9672f22d4537

The repetition of the tribal offerings seems redundant, but when viewed through the lens of AI and software development, it highlights the vital role of context. By analyzing how LLMs handle this repetition, the article reveals deeper lessons in honoring individual contributions and ensuring clarity in both sacred and technical texts. Just as Torah study relies on commentary, AI and coding thrive on precise instructions—context isn’t just helpful; it’s everything.

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Count!

Parshat Naso’s repetition teaches AI & coders a crucial lesson: context transforms redundancy into wisdom. Understanding is everything

https://i.postimg.cc/Gtk7Gwcx/Naso-2025-llm-lord.png

Defining Minimum Viable Anything, Including Yourselft!

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/defining-minimum-viable-anything-including-yourself-5d55486911f8e

Aaron's quiet disappointment and Yitro's strategic departure raise timeless questions about value, visibility, and purpose. From the unpredictable journey through the wilderness to modern developer dilemmas like cancelled demos or last-minute presentations, our roles are often defined by perception more than substance. This piece explores how to cultivate a sense of worth grounded not in status, but in sustained, meaningful contribution — even when no one's watching.

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When You Raise

What do you do? Behaalotecha challenges us to define value beyond titles — in life, Torah, and even surprise software demos.

https://i.postimg.cc/Pr7qTwDm/Behaalotecha-2025-champ-on-chair.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/groupthink-in-love-and-war-f1b8c7f7bcca

Groupthink not only endangers the boardroom and military expedition—it endangers any team’s collective capacity to separate true impossibilities from merely hard problems. Drawing lessons from an ancient scouting mission gone wrong, this analysis explores how even well-intentioned groups can talk themselves out of achievable goals when consensus becomes more valued than critical thinking. The key isn't eliminating all group influence, but knowing when to embrace operational consensus (agreeing on how to work) while actively cultivating dissent on strategic decisions (agreeing on what's truly possible).

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Send Out!

Groupthink blinds judgement, from biblical spies to NASA to love. Question consensus, embrace dissent, dare the improbable for true progress

https://i.postimg.cc/0jB9kTz8/Shelach-2025-all-but-one.png

Korah GTP: A generative Pre-trained Transformer

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/korah-gpt-a-generative-pre-trained-transformer-f447da654ae3

The biblical story of Korah's rebellion demonstrates how charismatic leaders can rally followers around appealing but fundamentally flawed ideas, leading to catastrophic consequences. This 3,500-year-old leadership failure offers modern lessons about validating information sources, understanding organizational structures, and recognizing self-serving motives disguised as revolutionary change. Whether in corporate environments, political movements, or personal decisions, Korah's story provides a timeless framework for distinguishing genuine innovation from persuasive but dangerous disruption.

Korach

Korah rebellion offers timeless lessons: validate data, respect dependencies, & discern truth in life & software. Avoid catastrophic failure

https://i.postimg.cc/YCmC9CNT/Korah-2025-map-sinai.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/mosess-leadership-failure-4cf0d156ca

This report analyzes Moses's critical error at the Waters of Strife through the lens of a software defect report, identifying a "bug" that led to severe project consequences. We examine the root causes, including stress-induced regression and poor communication protocols, to understand where the process broke down. By exploring alternative scenarios, we demonstrate how different choices could have averted the negative outcome and ensured a smoother "deployment" into the Promised Land. Ultimately, Moses's story serves as a cautionary tale for all technical leaders, emphasizing the importance of learning from "debugging sessions" under pressure.

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Statute

Examine root causes, including stress-induced regression and poor communication protocols, to understand where the process broke down.

https://i.postimg.cc/1zGRG7jH/Chuka-2025-break-ipad-on-rock.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/what-the-donkey-sees-8e6af2e6a87a

Drawing on my experience in software development, I continue exploring how the timeless wisdom of the Bible—here Balaam and his donkey—can illuminate the importance of pattern recognition and humility in our work. King Balak, the prophet Balaam, and Balaam's donkey—each perceive different patterns when confronted with divine intervention, revealing vastly different levels of wisdom and insight. While Balaam, despite his knowledge and repeated warnings, pursues personal gain and ignores clear divine patterns, his donkey immediately recognizes danger and consistently acts to protect her rider. This ancient story offers profound lessons for modern software development and life: true wisdom lies not in knowledge alone, but in recognizing patterns that knowledge reveals and having the humility to act on them, even when guidance comes from unexpected sources.

What do you do? Behaalotecha challenges us to define value beyond titles — in life, Torah, and even surprise software demos.

https://i.postimg.cc/FKHVX9CT/Balak-2025-donkey.png

Pinchas the Zealot and the Covenant of Pease

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/pinchas-the-zealot-and-the-covenant-of-peace-bcdbb2521b75

Explore the story of Pinchas, who was rewarded for a controversial act of zeal. By analyzing four types of motivation—ego, duty, divine calling, and true zealotry—the piece distinguishes between principled action and dangerous extremism. It then connects biblical zealotry to modern radicalization and emphasizes the ethical responsibility of software developers to protect vulnerable users, especially children, from online extremism.

Phineas

From ancient zealots like Pinchas and Korach to modern online radicalization, I explore zeal's spectrum. How can we protect kids in the digital age?

https://i.postimg.cc/vHrk69Tw/Pinchas-2025-poker.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/startups-gods-investment-checklist-a02847f23046

What can a 3,000-year-old desert negotiation teach today’s startup founders? In Parshat Matot, Moses challenges two tribes pitching a radical proposition, forcing them to clarify priorities, commit to shared responsibility, and align with a greater mission. Their journey mirrors the modern startup path—where vision, integrity, and community impact matter as much as innovation.

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Tribes

Ancient startup pitch teaches modern VCs: innovation without community responsibility and higher purpose is just sophisticated selfishness.

https://i.postimg.cc/3Jz3PHM1/Matot-2025-split-startup.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/divine-deployment-follow-the-cloud-1f9ea6ca376a

What can a 3,000-year-old travel log teach us about software delivery? In Parshat Masei, the Israelites move only when the Divine cloud lifts—unpredictably, but purposefully. This mirrors modern CI/CD practices, where code ships when ready, not on a fixed sprint schedule—offering a more responsive, efficient, and humane development model.

Journeys

When the cloud moves, you move. Parshat Masei offers a timeless blueprint for CI/CD and adaptive software development.

https://i.postimg.cc/tgNyZZsv/Masei-2025-3-tents.png

Secure Mediocrity vs. Precarious Greatness

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/secure-mediocrity-vs-precarious-greatness-f033b6bc3026

Tech professionals face the same choice that defined an entire generation 3,400 years ago: secure mediocrity versus precarious greatness. Ancient Israel chose predictable hardship over uncertain abundance—a decision that cost them 40 years in the wilderness. Today's tech professionals must decide between mastering legacy systems for steady income or diving into cutting-edge fields like AI and quantum computing, where the potential for breakthrough success comes with equal risk of failure.

Words

Ancient Israel chose predictable hardship over uncertain abundance, costing them 40 years. Today we face the choice: legacy systems or AI.

https://i.postimg.cc/qvcbzdmJ/Devarim-2025-dreaming-nile-or-rain.png

A Lesson in Onboarding and Institutional Memory

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/a-lesson-in-onboarding-and-institutional-memory-fed87c07c6bb

Moses understood that a team can't succeed on second-hand knowledge alone, so he provided a final, authoritative review to prevent the dilution of core principles. This ancient model highlights the critical need for founders and senior leaders to actively transmit their vision and historical context to every new hire, ensuring a company's "why" doesn't get lost as it scales.

And I Pleaded

A timeless lesson on onboarding from Parshat Vaetchanan: a company's "why" must be actively taught to every new hire to prevent dilution.

https://i.postimg.cc/mDPKc5zm/Vaetchanan-2025-onboarding.png

A Second Set of Tablets: Start-Up's Guide to Pivoting

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/a-second-set-of-tablets-start-ups-guide-to-pivoting-d8e1d1753c72

A powerful analogy for modern entrepreneurs, likening the Israelites' journey to that of a "start-up nation". Moses’ decision to break the first set of commandments and create a new set for the existing nation provides a key lesson: it is often more strategic and rewarding to refine your product for an established customer base than to seek a new market. This ancient wisdom teaches that understanding and serving your loyal customers is a more valuable investment than the uncertainty of pursuing a new audience.

As a Consequence

This article explores how the Bible offers a blueprint for start-ups, focusing on customer loyalty.

https://i.postimg.cc/XJ2bLRcw/Ekev-2025-which-10-commandments.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/parsha-reeh-e04f0f5fd4be

Free will and conditional outcomes ("a blessing and a curse"), ancient scriptural teachings parallel modern principles of Boolean and computational logic. The Parsha presents decision-making, from dietary laws to tithing rules, as a spectrum ranging from clear-cut Boolean choices to more complex, ambiguous, or equivocal requirements demanding nuanced interpretation. Ultimately, a critical lesson for software development: while logic is essential for translating requirements into functional systems, true success requires tempering technical correctness with compassion and empathy for the end-user.

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See!

Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse." This freedom, however, comes with constraints and responsibilities

https://i.postimg.cc/YS9sVs3t/Reeh-2024-scroll-circut-board.jpg

Parsha Shoftim: Bench, Ballots, or Bullets

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/parsha-shoftim-bench-ballots-or-bullets-225f6165ac86

Discover the significance of sharing crucial information. It warns, however, about individual, and especially celebrity accountability. Further, it emphasizes the importance of retrospection and evaluation for communal improvement, without assigning individual blame.

Judges

Since the giving of the Bible, technology continues evolving, but human nature remains the same. Justice is a cornerstone of society

https://i.postimg.cc/pXb3Tk2B/Shoftim-2024-court-ancient-greece.jpg

Parsha Ki Teitzei: The Use Case and the Misuse Case in Torah and Technology

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/parsha-ki-teitzei-the-use-case-and-the-misuse-case-in-torah-and-technology-e5aa57fc37c2

This week it is about designing for system misuse. By anticipating misuse, we can alter the otherwise inevitable outcome. Misuse cases in tech, can lead to harm, but with foresight, we can design safeguards. See how Torah and software guide us away from failure.

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When You Go Out

By understanding both intended and unintended consequences, we can gain valuable insights into the ethical implications of technological advancements.

https://i.postimg.cc/TP44XJ7g/Ke-teitzei-2024-cash-machine.png

Software with Gratitude not an Attitude

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/software-with-gratitude-not-an-attitude-0ddd56798ff6

treat users with respect and clarity rather than misleading them. The core principle is that following a clear, well-designed process (like a software "wizard") leads to successful outcomes for users, while poor design, dark patterns, and hidden costs are digital "curses" that erode trust and loyalty. Developers should show gratitude by prioritizing the user experience, offering customization, and providing responsive support to ensure mutual success.

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When You Come In

As service providers, how do we express gratitude to our customers for choosing us?

https://i.postimg.cc/MZRrhRyf/Ki-tavo-2025-man-mask.jpg

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/unity-including-the-future-ef0b4028d206

Explore the biblical concept of unity and its application in computer systems. Both require shared obligations, and careful study for success.

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Standing

The concept of unity extends beyond the present generation, this unity comes with shared responsibility.

https://i.postimg.cc/zGqMwBHb/Nitzavim-2024-data-globe.png

One Letter, One Line: Building Resilience and Participation

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/one-letter-one-line-building-resilience-and-participation-97355fcfa5ac

This post explores how the ancient tradition of every Jew contributing one letter to a perfect, immutable scroll teaches us about collective responsibility and resilience. Drawing parallels to the U.S. Marine Corps motto and my own military experience, it shows how universal participation builds strength in any organization. The same principle applies to software companies where everyone writing one line of code creates connection, reduces silos, and ensures continuity. Ultimately, resilience emerges from shared ownership—transforming every individual from a spectator into an active participant.

And He Went

Resilience grows when everyone participates—one letter, one line of code, one shared responsibility building stronger people and teams together.

https://i.postimg.cc/BnPFvJPf/Vayelech-2025-A-one-letter.png

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-price-of-trust-insider-hacking-60eca5e07cea

The emotional journey from trust to betrayal—a pattern that defines today's most dangerous cybersecurity threat: the insider. While organizations invest heavily in defending against external attacks, the greatest vulnerabilities come from within, from those already holding the keys. 3500 years ago, Moses’ parting words described the risk and strategy. By combining ancient wisdom about human nature with modern behavioral analytics, we can detect the subtle drift in loyalty before it breaks into betrayal.

Listen!

Moses's final song predicted insider threats: loyalty drifts before it breaks. Modern behavioral analytics can now detect that drift—if we pay attention.

https://i.postimg.cc/5tV84r9G/haazinu-2025-page.png

Torah's Last Chapter: A Masterpiece in Design

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/torahs-last-chapter-a-masterpiece-in-design-6bd0342f785b

The Torah’s final portion, V’Zot HaBrachah, isn’t just an ending — it’s a lesson in Form Follows Function. Contrasted with the emotional drama of Parshat Vayeira, it shows how minimalism and expression serve different learning styles.

And This Is the Blessing

Torah writing alternates between minimalist logic and emotional drama — a blueprint for UI/UX that speaks to every kind of mind.

https://i.postimg.cc/WzWxqvGN/vzot-habrachah-2025-color-two-synagogues.png

The Jewish New Year: History, Tradition, and Universal Lessons

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-jewish-new-year-history-tradition-and-universal-lessons-67b72a0f5c3f

The result: a timeless design principle — great systems speak fluently to both logic and emotion.

1 Tishrei

Discover the history and meaning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. From biblical roots to modern observance, the shofar’s call still inspires renewal.

https://i.postimg.cc/xC9dZD4K/Rosh-hashanah-2025-shofar.png

2 Tishrei

3 Tishrei

10 Tishrei

Software Projects Swallowed by a Whale

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/software-projects-swallowed-by-a-whale-0f1987d9546c

The story of Jonah and the Whale is a Bible favorite. Lessons taught for software development and project management might prevent your next project from being swallowed up!

10 Tishrei

Software project fail due to lack of team involvement, and unclear goals. Loearn from Jonah and the Whale:

https://i.postimg.cc/c4nptgj7/Yom-kippur-2025-whale.png

15 Tishrei

16 Tishrei

Intermediate Shabbat of Sukkot

22 Tishrei

Celebrating Resilience and Renewal Amidst Sorrow

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/celebrating-resilience-and-renewal-amidst-sorrow-8793d56f7c45

Simchat Torah, a 1200-year-old Jewish holiday, celebrates the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle. It transforms streets worldwide into venues of jubilation, with communities dancing, singing, and carrying Torah scrolls. The holiday embodies resilience, having been observed even in the darkest times of history. In 2023, Simchat Torah in Israel was marred by a tragic terrorist attack, yet the upcoming celebration in 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of cultural perseverance. This festival not only marks the end of a cycle but affirms the commitment to new beginnings, embodying the enduring spirit of joy and renewal in the face of adversity.

23 Tishrei (Diaspora, often 22 Tishrei in Israel combined with Shemini Atzeret)

A joyous celebration, marking the end and restart of the annual cycle.

https://i.postimg.cc/RCnj42zF/Simchat-torah-2024-7-oct-red-shirt.png

25 Kislev - 2/3 Tevet (8 days)

10 Tevet

13 Adar (or 11 Adar in leap year)

14 Adar (or 14 Adar II)

15 Nisan

16 Nisan

Intermediate Shabbat of Pesach

21 Nisan

22 Nisan

6 Sivan

7 Sivan

The Unseen Pillars: What we take for Granted, Until it's gone

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/the-unseen-pillars-what-we-take-for-granted-until-its-gone-fdd7101d987b

17 Tammuz

What do ancient Temple rituals and the CrowdStrike crash have in common? A reminder: we don't miss the systems we rely on until they fail

https://i.postimg.cc/qM2kV5kd/17-tammuz-2025-ibm-punchcard.jpg

9 Av

9 Av

Start of each Hebrew month

From Vineyards to Code: How an Ancient Holiday Improves Bug Fixing

https://medium.com/@shimon_11423/from-vineyards-to-code-how-an-ancient-holiday-improves-bug-fixing-3d3dbefe1fcb

The ancient Jewish holiday of Tu B’Av holds surprising lessons for modern software development. Its tradition of all women borrowing a white dress to avoid embarrassment provides a powerful model for collaborative bug-fixing, where teams take ownership of defects to eliminate individual blame. By shifting focus from public attribution to team responsibility, this ancient wisdom can help us build stronger software and foster a more connected, judgment-free team culture.

15 Av

An ancient Jewish holiday about equality and matchmaking transforms software development by improving handling bugs and team collaboration.

https://i.postimg.cc/MKTPkYv5/15-av-bug-board.png