This week we find the first mention of the Ten Commandments in the Torah. These ten teachings have shaped much of Jewish life for generations. They guide our days. They urge us to remember that there is one God, a singular God who took us from bondage to freedom. They have us honor Shabbat, respect our parents, not murder, not commit adultery, not steal, lie or covet what does not belong to us. They are at the heart of Judaism, the bedrock of our faith. 

Some argue that these commandments should appear in public school classrooms. I strongly disagree. While they speak to various faith traditions – including ours – they are not universal and do not apply to all belief systems and cultural groups.

For those who would have these ten teachings appear in schools across America, I would ask them especially now, how we as a country have done when it comes to keeping the Ten Commandments. I would ask if we are honoring these age-old words.

Are we upholding our allegiance to a benevolent God above when we cast out human beings that were made in the image of God just as we were? Are we not diminishing God when we diminish our brothers and sisters? 

Are we honoring our parents, and those who came before us, when we denigrate and deny would-be immigrants? Are we truly respecting our parents and grandparents, many of whom came to this country to escape war and misfortune, when we push back against immigration itself and would-be immigrants?

Are we not committing murder when protestors are shot in broad daylight without cause? By watching it happen, or allowing it to happen, or explaining it away, are we not complicit?

Are we not stealing when we rip apart families and deny them due process? Are we not stealing from them a potential future of health and possibility here in the United States?

Are we not coveting when we yearn for some mythic time when America was homogeneous? Are we not grasping for something that never was or will be?

Like us, Moses lived at a complex moment. He did what he could with the tools and resources he had. He chose humility and compassion once and again. Our ancestors did the same, living Torah values in every age, no matter the climate or contention around them. Now’s our chance to do the same. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Benjamin P. David