This week’s Torah portion, Yitro,
(Ex. 18:1 – 20:23) depicts the climactic meeting between God and the Israelite
people at Mount Sinai, and highlights the Ten Utterances, usually referred to
as the Ten Commandments, spoken by the voice of God from the mountain to those
assembled below.
Many years ago, on a Hillel
retreat, a student of mine gave a d’var Torah on this portion. He pointed out that all but one of the Ten
Commandments had to do with our obligations: to God, to society, to parents, to
our spouses, to community. Only one of
the ten is not a responsibility but a benefit, and that is to remember
Shabbat. Shabbat is a day to rest and renew,
to look after our spirit and delight in friends, family, food, and song. However you choose to observe it, make it a
celebration. It’s for you.
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