By Sara Zebovitz

This week’s parasha is Yitro. Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law, realizes how much G-D did for Moses and his family, and acknowledges G-D’s greatness. He then advises Moses that he should find other people to help him lead, since taking on the task of being the bridge between G-D and the people is a gigantic commitment. Moses agrees, and appoints judges and people to rule various groups of people (similar to the American governmental system that exists today – some people to rule thousands, some to rule hundreds, some to rule fifties, some to rule tens. You get the idea). Then, the Israelites wander through the desert, G-D creates a covenant with them, and they get the Ten Commandments.

There are many things I could focus on in my analysis of this parasha. I could focus on Yitro’s suggestion to Moses and point out that we should get help from our partners because creating a new social order is a job too big for all of us. I could focus on the covenant and state that although times change, our covenant holds meaning in our lives today – it gives us a responsibility to one another. I could focus on the one time G-D said “come not near a woman” and look at how times have changed. However, I instead will focus on the Ten Commandments, the עשרת הדברות (aseret hadibrot).

Oftentimes, we feel that the עשרת הדברות are no longer relevant to us. We don’t necessarily all connect to G-D, and we don’t understand why it matters to not build idols. Listed below are the [abridged] עשרת הדברות as recorded in Yitro.

1. Thou shall have no other gods before G-D.

2. Thou shall have no idols.

3. Thou shall not use G-D’s name in vain.

4. Thou shall keep Shabbat.

5. Honor thy father and mother.

6. Don’t kill.

7. Don’t commit adultery.

8. Don’t steal.

9. Don’t bear false witness.

10. Don’t covet thy neighbor.

These commandments set in the Torah were the way to have a just society in that time. They addressed an individual’s actions in order to affect the greater society.

G-D was the leader and the unifying characteristic in biblical times. Much of this is no longer relevant to us. Therefore, today, instead of following G-D and doing what G-D said, we must step in to be the leaders. What does it mean that we were all created in G-D’s image? That as G-D becomes less relevant, we are stepping into G-D’s shoes to continue the original vision for a just society. Below is my version of the עשרת הדברות as they apply to us.

1. You shall remember that you are a

leader. You must allow an

challenge yourself to step up and be

the biggest and best person you can

be.

2. Do not worship things that don't

matter. Don't dwell on small

problems or obstacles; overcome

them.

3. Don't curse yourself or convince

yourself that you cannot do

something. Always hold yourself

highly and with confidence,

knowing that you can make an

impact on the world. Also, do not

curse others.

4. Keep some time for yourself.

Remember to reflect and maintain

your sanity by setting aside some

time yourself, whether on Shabbat

or another time.

5. Honor the people who have honored

you. Respond to people with respect,

and treat people as you would like

to be treated.

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