By Rabbi Mitch
A friend asked me to preach at his church earlier in the summer.
I asked him, “How long do you preach each Sunday?”
He responded in the universal language that all clergy understands: “Preach for just twelve minutes, or twenty minutes in real-time.”
I thought: “This is a rather fair request.”
But, my friend ruined this thought when he declared: “I’d like you to preach on the Rabbinic Perspective on the Ten Commandments.”
Additionally, he declared: “All I had to do was teach everything there was to know on the Ten Commandments, and please ensure that we all fully buy into what God requires of us.”
I said, “No problem!” And, then jokingly said, “I forgot to tell you I’m busy every Sunday, forever.”
When contemplating my sermon, I felt the need to acknowledge that for many, at some time or another, have thought of God’s “Ten Commandments” as God’s “Ten Suggestions.” And, the “Ten Suggestions” are like an old-school quiz; seven out of ten means we can pass.
But, of course, the Ten Commandments are not suggestions, but rather God’s requirements, even when challenging to follow.
The Psalmist sang: “God’s giving of the Divine Laws revive us, makes us wise, causes joy, prompts enlightenment, and makes Truth endure.
Within this context, when we reflect on the Ten Commandments, we discern that God’s Laws facilitate our love and appreciation.
In Judaism, God’s Laws, whether ritual or ethical, are intended to prompt love and gratitude. In Hebrew, the “Ten Commandments” literal translation is the “Ten Declarations.”
God’s “Ten Proclamations” are significant and essential expressions of God’s laws amidst the entire canon of Jewish law.
The “Ten Proclamations” are crucial in understanding that God cares about individuals, community, and how we meaningfully live and love one another. One way to look at them is Divine Billboards meant for us to constantly take note of on our life’s journey.
• Protect others
• Always treat everyone with dignity
• Understand the absolute sanctity of human life
• Be respectful
• Be truthful
• Maintain boundaries by which to protect against envy or greed.
God’s Ten Commandments are ten basic and essential principles by which we learn to live in response to God’s love for us.
It can never be “Ten Suggestions” or seven out of ten let us pass God’s test.
Let us all take seriously the Ten Commandments:
1) Don’t worship anyone but God (Celebrate God.)
2) Don’t make false images (There are enough undiscovered images of God to fill our souls.)
3) Don’t use God’s name for evil (Be creative in honoring God.)
4) Observe the Sabbath (Take time for all things, including God.)
5) Respect your parents (Value the experience of those who influence your living.)
6) Don’t murder (Share the wonder and value of life with others.)
7) Don’t Commit Adultery (Respect the gifts of intimacy.)
8) Don’t Steal (Enjoy the freedom of sharing with others.)
9) Don’t Lie (Explore how to uphold people’s dignity rather than destroy them.)
10) Don’t Covet (Value what you’ve got because God has given you plenty.)
The Ten Great Divine Commanding Proclamations by which we can express our appreciation for all that God has given us.
God’s law lovingly shines out to us as beautifully as any sunrise or sunset.
And, in some ways, God’s law inspires us even more so because the “Word of God” not only has us looking more clearly at what’s going on outside, but it also makes us look better inside at our hearts, minds, and souls.
