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The old ones are usually the best.

G-d comes to Moses and asks him whether he would like a tablet or two. To which he responds with a question, “And please tell me how much do they cost?”
“Well”, says G-d, “actually they are free.”
As quick as lightening Moses replies, “If that’s the case I’ll please have two!”

The Ten Commandments are very basic not only to Jewish life, but much of humanity has adopted them in some way or another and they now form the basis of
 almost every civilized and modern society. Certainly amongst Jewish scholars there is an enormous amount of discussion as to their format, intent, and variety.

Commentary has observed that the first five commandments address our relationship with G-d and the second group on the second tablet addresses our relationship with our fellow man.

In man’s search for G-d and spirituality many have concluded that the best way (and perhaps only way) of leading a “religious” and meaningful life is by being kind and good to others.

Many argue that they don’t see the point to serving G-d by putting on teffillin or eating kosher or any other purely G-dly act.
 
Whilst there may be some truth in this attitude, especially regarding the need to behave well towards our fellow human beings, there is a very distinct flaw.
How does one become holy or spiritual when there are NO other people around? In other words is it possible to be “religious” on a deserted desert island, since there aren’t any other people to be kind to?

Herein lies one of the most essential innovations of Judaism. In order to appreciate our own spirituality we have to be both good to others as well as good to G-d. Our make up as such, consists of both a physical human side and a spiritual G-dly side. One is called the body, the other the soul. Nourishing the one without the other leaves us only half fulfilled.

In Jewish terms all Ten Commandments must be followed, and it should not be a case of pick and choose because only by trying our best to fulfil them all can we truly be called “religious”.

It is precisely the fact that some of these Commandments don’t make logical sense that makes them so other worldly, eternal and G-dly and therefore enabling us to connect with the Divine.

This is the true meaning of Judaism.

Wishing you all an inspirational Shabbat.

Rabbi Pesach Efune