By: Jenna Raimist
Director of Annual Campaign
God has just given the people the Ten Commandments from the Mount. In Parashah Mishpatim, Moses tells the people about many detailed ethical and ritual laws to obey. These laws, over thirty in total, include but are not limited to: honoring parents, “eye for an eye,” circumstances under which to set slaves free, fair payments for animal loss, agricultural Shmita rules, and not mentioning any other god. Then, he explains three new holidays: Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot. Lastly, Moses erects an altar with twelve pillars representing the tribes of Israel. He makes an animal offering to God and verbally announces the covenant with the Lord, to which God responds that Moses should go to the top of the mountain to receive the Commandments and teach them to the people.
Although these guidelines are numerous, lengthy, and detailed, the Ten Commandments are much shorter. In a complete juxtaposition from the previous laws, the Ten Commandments stand brief, few, and heavy with weight and responsibility. I believe there’s something to the commandments—the laws to be enshrined on tablets for eternity—being the few, concise, and decisive. I liken them to the stoic friend or colleague who listens and speaks sparingly, ultimately demanding respect for their words because of their rarity.
I’ll leave you with this: Perhaps the Ten Commandments are the most classic example of the “simple is best” rule; a rule within a Jewish parable of rules, if you will. Shabbat Shalom to you and yours.
Please email Jenna Raimist at jraimist@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.