The Ten Commandments’ Significance For Jews

the ten commandments’ significance for jews is complex. while they are a centerpiece within the torah, they are among a total of six hundred and thirteen commandments. exploring commandments outside of the ten illuminates the ten’s importance.

“decalogue” is the greek word used to describe the ten commandments. beyond the ten commandments, scholars also recognize a second “decalogue”- the ritual decalogue- in exodus 34, of the torah.

the ritual decalogue includes the prohibition against making molten gods, provides for the festival of unleavened cakes-passover- provides for a festival of weeks, and includes part of the dietary laws of kashrut- you shall not cook a kid in it’s mother’s milk.

this other series of commandments profoundly shapes jewish identity. most people know jews because their passover observance and their keeping kosher. likewise, outside of the ten commandments include the rules to wear fringes-tallit- and phylacteries-tefillin. these two are also central to jewish identity.

thus, the ten commandments’ significance to jews must be greater than the laws themselves. rather, the commandments’ temporal aspect must be explored. in terms of order, the ten commandments are not significant. the first commandment of the torah to the children of israel is in the portion bo and concerns calendaring. rather, the ten commandments mark the moment when their covenant with the master of the universe was established. all of the children of israel committed to the master of the universe in the special event. “all that the lord has spoken we shall do” was said in unison. likewise, this episode occurred with the dramas of the provision of the tablets, the golden calf, and the first set’s destruction. as such, the ten commandments’ back story plays largely on their significance to the jewish people.

in essence, the commandments’ significance is that is moment was the covenantal bonding of the jewish people to their god, the one god who delivered them from bondage. the golden calf incident painfully reminds the jewish people that that faith, even for those who witnessed the mt. sinai moment in which the master’s presence was experienced, is an enduring test.

be well!!

if you enjoyed this post, please “like”

if you would like to read more posts, click here

if you find this post meaningful, please share