Last week we experienced the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea. This week, we stand together at Sinai to receive set of teachings commonly known in English as “The Ten Commandments.”

The content of these teachings is as important as their order. They are:

1. I am the Lord, your God, Who took you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall not have the gods of others before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a graven image…
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain…
4. Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it…. The Lord blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.
5. Honor your father and your mother…
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, his manservant, his maidservant, his ox, his donkey, or whatever belongs to your neighbor.

The statement can be separated into two categories, commandments between God and people and between people and themselves. The first 5 commandments involve God and people where the last 5 involve people and themselves.

We see these seminal statements to include both our relationships between us and God. These statements were given to us to help us bring greater meaning and depth to our lives. This can be by deepening your understanding or relationship with God, family members or your community.

This week pick at least one of these statements to try to focus on. In everything you do this week, try to keep that commandment in mind and fulfill it to a greater extent. Some are easier than others for most of us.

For me, it is easier not to murder another than not to covet or feel envious of the belongings or life station of another. It always seems as though “the grass is greener on the other side.” It seems like others have a better lot in life. This week I am going to try to appreciate what I have to a greater extent and be grateful to God for that.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Metz

Category : Rabbi Rabbi's Journal Shabbat