Weekly Parsha

Exodus 18:1 -20:23

This is the Torah portion containing the giving of the Ten Commandments. Did you know that there are differences in the Ten Commandments as stated here (Exodus 20:1 -14) and restated later in Deuteronomy 5:6 - 18? 

Moses' father-in-law, Jethro (Yitro in the Hebrew) joins the Jewish people in the desert, advises Moses on the best way to serve and judge the people -- by appointing a hierarchy of intermediaries -- and then returns home to Midian. The Ten Commandments are given, the first two were heard directly from G-d by every Jew and then the people begged Moses to be their intermediary for the remaining eight because the experience was too intense.

The portion concludes with the Almighty telling Moses to instruct the Jewish people not to make any images of G-d. They were then commanded to make an earthen altar; and eventually to make a stone altar, but without the use of a sword or metal tool.

* * *

The Torah states regarding the preparation for receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, "And the Israelites encamped there near the mountain" (Exodus 19:2).

The Hebrew word for "encamped" is "vayichan." What is particularly interesting is that "vayichan" is in the singular form; the grammatically correct form would be "vayachanu." What do we learn from the word "vayichan"?

Rashi, the great commentator, tells us that the singular form is used to tell us that they encamped "as one person with one heart." From here Rabbi Yeruchem Levovitz commented that we see that love of our fellow man is a prerequisite for accepting the Torah.

Rabbi Yitzchok of Vorki noted that the word "vayichan" besides meaning "encamped" also comes from the word "khain," which means "finding favor." That is, the people found favor in the eyes of one another and therefore found favor in the eyes of the Almighty.

When you just see the faults and shortcomings of another person, you become distant from him. However, when you see the good and positive in other people, you become closer to them. This unity is a fundamental requirement for accepting the Torah.

How is this developed? Togetherness between people is possible only when there is humility. When the Israelites came to Mount Sinai, which is the symbol of humility, they internalized this attribute.

When you have humility, you do not feel a need to gain power over others or feel above them by focusing on their faults. When you have the trait of humility you can allow yourself to see the good in others. The traits of love for others, seeing the good in them, and having humility go hand in hand. By growing in these traits you make yourself into a more elevated person who is worthy of receiving the Torah.

People say: Let's make a better world ...
I think we need to teach people to treat the world better!

There are two types of teachers --
one teaches subjects, the other teaches students.
The first imparts information, the second impacts lives!

SHABBAT SHALOM

***

BUILDING YOUR COMMUNITY

Register your family 
Click HERE to add your family and ancestors, the day of their birthday and or Yahrtzeit so we can say a special pray for them!

Mi Shebeirach (Praying for the sick) 
Please text or email Rabbi Tank the name you want on the Mi Shiberach list.

Bikur Cholim (Visiting the sick)
Please contact Rabbi Tank at 917-834-4770

Koshering your house or business
Please contact Rabbi Tank at 917-834-4770

Lunch & Learn
Please contact Rabbi Tank at 917-834-4770

Terumah (Contributions)
Now you can give your Maaser and Tzedakah HERE