The Torah admonishes judges to be upright and follow the law, even when the majority want it to do otherwise. The worst thing that can happen to a society of that there is no justice.
Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal
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Slaves Cannot Serve God Fully
If a slave states that he prefers slavery to freedom, he is punished. This is to teach us that slavery is not the normal state of a person. God wants us to be free people.
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God Wants Action, Not Words
God wants us to do the right thing. No where in the Torah is there a commandment to believe in God. But there are on how to behave.
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Morality & Religion
The difference between the Torah and previous law codes is that the previous law codes were totally secular. The Torah states that even “secular” or ethical laws are from God.
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Ritual Needs Morality
After the revelation of Mt. Sinai, the logical step would be to build a Tabernacle to God. But the Torah takes a detour and speaks about how to build an ethical society.
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The Basis of a Good Society
The 5th Commandment is more than good advice. It is pointing out that the basis of a good society is the two parent family. Without which society would fall apart.
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Covetness is the Root of Evil
Jealousy is wanting what others have without realizing what they had to do to get that or the reason they have it. When we see someone has done well we should learn from their success, not be jealous of them.
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Taking God’s Name in Vain
The most common understanding of the Commandment of not taking God’s Name in vain is that we should not swear falsely. Another understanding is that we should not do commit a crime in His Name.
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Taking God’s Name in Vain
The most common understanding of the Commandment of not taking God’s Name in vain is that we should not swear falsely. Another understanding is that we should not do commit a crime in His Name.
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The Reason for Mt. Sinai
The 10 Commandments start with a statement that God took us out of Egypt. Why not say that He is the God who created the Heavens and the Earth? Here are two reasons for that.