Shabbat Parashat Yitro 5785

Parashat Hashavua: The Ten Commandments – A Blueprint for World Justice

The Ten Commandments, which we received at Sinai some 3,500 years ago, in an event that turned Jews into “sons of prophets,” each to his own degree, hold a central position in defining us as Jews. The Prophets taught us that our goal is to make all of mankind people who accept and serve Hashem and realize that Hashem created them. It is in this context that Yeshayahu (2:3) said that “Torah will emerge from Zion and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem.” Unfortunately, we have not yet achieved the goal of fully implementing the Ten Commandments in our national life, and certainly we have not seen it adopted by the rest of mankind.

At times like this, it is worthwhile to set standards for who is a respected member of human civilization and who is not. Practically, a nation that does not accept basic human rights should not be able to receive donations from international welfare organizations or protection from international charters. We suggest not only expecting fulfillment of the seven Noahide laws, but raising the bar to acceptance on some level of the Ten Commandments (not always in the way that Bnei Yisrael was commanded).

We will survey an adapted Ten Commandments in this context. 1-2 – Acceptance of Hashem and not having idols – A large part of humanity always has embraced monotheism and divine incorporeality. We should try to expand this in a noncoercive manner. 3. Not swearing falsely in Hashem’s Name – The fact that we were created in the “form of Hashem” is connected to our ability to speak, and this obligates us. We must therefore be careful about what we say, and speak truthfully, as lying desecrates Hashem and our own status. (Distortions with the help of AI are very dangerous in this regard.) 4. Shabbat – At least in Shabbat’s “between-man-and-man” element, societies should be expected to have a weekly day of rest, as opposed to elements of slavery that still exist in the world. 5. Respect for parents – This bedrock of humanity should be expanded to generally include gratitude for the good bestowed upon us. A society that looks out for the needs of its elderly combines these important elements. 6. Murder – The sanctity of human life must always be the basis of a society. Murderers not only hurt victims and their families but undermine society. Rape is included in this. 7. Adultery – Fidelity between spouses is part and parcel of morality. 8. Theft – Respect for another’s property and certainly his own personal liberty (no hostage taking) is basic. 9. False testimony – Honest testimony is necessary to have an effective judicial system, which, understandably, is one of the seven Noahide requirements. 10. Not to covet that which belongs to another – This raises the bar quite high and it is not usually possible to check or enforce it, but it is important to have it as a goal.

A world in which the Ten Commandments are pillars of society is one in which people are safe and raises the possibility of striving for world peace. Any attempt to ensure peace without such guidelines of morality will just strengthen evil. This has become clearer than ever in light of the world reaction to the treacherousness of Hamas and its allies.

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