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Jewish Journal

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A Moment in Time: “If You Could Add an 11th Commandment, What Would it Be?”

Thursday evening begins the Festival of Shavuot, during which we celebrate the gift of Jewish learning.
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Picture of Rabbi Zach Shapiro

Rabbi Zach Shapiro

May 25, 2023

Dear all,

Thursday evening begins the Festival of Shavuot, during which we celebrate the gift of Jewish learning. According to our tradition, the process of learning began at Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Divine Words (often referred to as the Ten Commandments – though, as you will see, the first is not actually a commandment – but more a statement):

  1. I am God
  2. You shall have no other gods before Me
  3. You shall not take God’s name in vain
  4. Remember/ Keep Shabbat
  5. Honor your parent(s)
  6. You shall not murder
  7. You shall not commit adultery
  8. You shall not steal
  9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
  10. You shall not covet

We can certainly discuss at great length which of these ten resonate more and which resonate less.

But as we enter this Festival of deep thinking, I ask you to take a moment in time to consider: If you were to add one additional commandment (or statement), one piece of wisdom that you believe is central to the betterment of our world, what would it be?

Now, take that 11th (which becomes YOUR Torah/ truth) and make a difference!

With love and shalom.

Rabbi Zach Shapiro

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