B"H

Thursday, Shevat 22, 5781 / February 4, 2021

This Shabbat we will read Parshat Yitro in which the Torah records the Ten Commandments. The following are comments from our sages on the Ten Commandments.

Q.  The fourth commandment is, “Remember the day of Shabbat to keep it holy.” What does “Remember the Shabbat” mean?

A.  The Talmudic sage Rabbi Yehuda ben B'teira says, "Other nations have a name for each day of the week (Sunday, Monday etc.), but we call the days of the week as first day; second day; third day, etc.  This helps us fulfill the mitzvah to 'Remember the day of Shabbat.'  For when we say the first day, the second day etc. it reminds us that we are counting toward the seventh day – Shabbat, thus, remembering the Shabbat all week long.

Also, on Shabbat it is customary that we greet each other with "Good Shabbos" or "Shabbat Shalom" etc. Thus, mentioning the name Shabbat. This too, say our sages, is a way of fulfilling "Remember the Shabbat."  As a result, it is important to greet each other on Shabbat, not like on other days, with good morning or good evening, but with the traditional greeting in which "Shabbat" is mentioned.

Q.  The fifth commandment is to honor parents. However, there is a difference how this commandment is recorded in this Parsha and how it is recorded later in Parshat Va’etchanan. In this Parsha it says, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which  the L-rd your G-d gives to you.” 

In Parshat Va’etchanan the Torah says, “Honor your father and your mother, as the L-rd your G-d commanded you, that your days may be long and that it may be good to you upon the land which the L-rd your G-d gives to you.” Why are the words, “that it may be good to you” not found in the First Tablets?

A.   The Talmud says that because the First Tablets were broken as a result of the sin of the Golden Calf, G-d didn’t insert the words, “that it may be good to you,” for then with the breaking of the Tablets it would, G-d forbid, have removed good from the Jewish people.

Q.  G-d gave Moshe Two Tablets, on one was inscribed the commandments between us and G-d, and on the second one the commandments between one person and another. Why is honoring parents on the Tablet which contained the mitzvot between us and G-d?

A.The Midrash states: "There are three partners in the creation of a person; G-d (who gives the Neshama-Soul) and the father and mother (who contribute the physical parts of the child). When a person respects father and mother, G-d says 'I consider it as if I, too, am dwelling among you; and as if you are honoring Me too!'  By honoring our parents, we honor G-d – the main partner.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY