Parashat Yitro 5783

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

When people use the phrase “take two of these and call me in the morning,” the phrase refers to taking two pills, which can also be called tablets, to help whatever may be ailing them. However, one does not always need to take medication to help their ailments. Perhaps all we need, can be found in the Torah, as Pirkei Avot, Ethics of our Ancestors teaches, hafoch bah v’hafoch bah, v’hakol bah – turn it and turn it (meaning Torah) and all is in it!  This week’s Torah reading, Parashat Yitro, includes the two original tablets, the most important tablets, the Ten Commandments, which Moses wrote on two tablets, while God told Moses the Ten Commandments while on Mount Sinai. 

The Ten Commandments, which are five commandments related to God and the people, mitzvot bein adam lamakom, and five commandments related to people and people,  mitzvot bein adam l’chavero. These two tablets provided us with the solidification of the relationship between God and the Jewish people. Rereading the story of the receiving of the Ten Commandments strengthens our relationship with God, Torah, and the Jewish people. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!