It’s fascinating to delve into the heart of some of the most influential texts known to mankind. The “Ten Commandments” have guided the lives of countless individuals across centuries. Yet, there’s a chance we’ve been viewing this through an inaccurate lens, thanks to some translation missteps.

Let’s start with a surprising revelation – the “Ten Commandments” are not actually ten, nor are they merely commandments. There are 14 of them embedded within the 10 “dibros.” Interestingly, the term “command” could give an impression of marching orders – ‘get active and do something’. But, in essence, a “dibur” is a speech, and when one speaks, the primary objective is for the listener to understand and reflect.

God’s first intent is not to prompt us into immediate action but to unveil the grand scheme of things. Consider this the mission statement of life’s handbook, the Torah. Just as any organization’s mission statement encompasses its core purpose, these dibros provide us with a spiritual compass. They help us navigate the nitty-gritty of life without losing sight of the overarching vision.

This isn’t akin to a drill sergeant commanding “20 push-ups”. Instead, it’s a gentle invitation to explore the depth and beauty of life. It’s God saying, “Let’s have a conversation. Let’s take a walk together.” These aren’t commandments at this stage; they’re part of a discourse, laying the foundational principles of the 613 mitzvos.

This big picture perspective prevents us from getting lost in the minutiae of halacha (Jewish law), allowing us to stay grounded in God’s vision for life.

Secondly, let’s unravel the concept of “Yira”, often mistranslated as fear. The verse in Devarim 5:25, discussing the purpose of the Aseres HaDibros/Maamad Har Sinai, contains the term Yira. The Zohar enlightens us about the three dimensions of Yira, two of which are often misconstrued.

1. Fear of physical punishment.
2. Fear of spiritual punishment.
3. God Awareness – God Consciousness.

The third dimension of Yira, God Consciousness, is the essence. It’s not fear in a debilitating sense, but an elevated awareness of God’s grandeur. It fosters respect and awe, ultimately leading to a profound reverence for the divine presence.

Therefore, the Aseres HaDibros aim to deepen our God Consciousness, not to instill a fear of punishment. They invite us to experience an intimate, internal relationship with God and cultivate a profound Consciousness of the divine presence.

Moreover, this moment marks a pivotal point in our spiritual journey, metaphorically removing us from the matrix of worldly illusions and leading us towards the ultimate truth. As a collective, we’ve been entrusted with a divine mission – to elevate the world with love, wisdom, and clarity.

The Dual Pillars of Life: Insights from the Two Luchos

The Luchos, or Tablets of Stone, on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed, have been a source of enduring wisdom and guidance for millennia. These two tablets, however, represent far more than commandments. They symbolize the dual aspects of life and the purpose of our existence, shedding light on the delicate balance of our spiritual and societal obligations.

One might wonder, why two tablets? The duality of the Luchos corrects two possible misconceptions about the purpose of life or religion. The first is the temptation to immerse ourselves solely in spiritual experience – prayer, meditation, purity, much like a monk or a nazir, focusing on a strong vertical connection with God. The second is to become consumed with social activism and community service – striving to be a good person and dedicating ourselves to global change.

Neither path, in isolation, captures the full essence of our purpose. Life is a blend of vertical and horizontal relationships with God, within ourselves, and with others. That’s where the two Luchos come into play, encouraging us to develop both aspects of our reality.

The first five commandments, inscribed on the first tablet, focus on our spiritual and internal journey, our relationship with God. These commandments encourage us to use our mind, speech, and body to elevate, respect, and connect to God and spirituality. They provide philosophical explanations to guide our spiritual journey.

The second tablet holds the next five commandments, focusing more on our physical expressions, our relationship with others. These commandments teach us to develop sensitivity towards humanity, to respect others’ relationships, property, body, emotional well-being, and mind. Their relevance to our daily lives is self-evident, requiring no further explanations.

But why were these commandments engraved on stone tablets?

Firstly, the medium of stone represents *relevance*. The commandments were not just divine decrees but principles to be ingrained into the most mundane aspects of our lives – changing how we eat, sleep, and react to life. The Hebrew word for Stone, Ehven (Aleph Beis), symbolizes the very foundation of creation. It’s about grounding spiritual principles into the basic fabric of our life.

Secondly, the stone signifies *permanence*. Unlike verbal declarations or written words that may fade or get erased, the engraved stone stands unchanging, communicating the eternal nature of these principles. Stone, in its self-sufficiency, echoes the enduring quality of these values.

Thirdly, stone signifies *integration*. The slow, laborious process of engraving signifies the time, effort, and dedication it takes to integrate these principles into our lives. This deep connection bridges the gap from the highest wisdom to the most physical part of the world.

So, the Luchos are not just tablets of stone. They are an enduring testament to our dual role in life – to cultivate a deep spiritual connection with God while actively contributing to the betterment of our society. The engraved commands invite us to see the eternal relevance of these teachings and to make them an integral part of our lives. They remind us that these are not just ideas to discuss but principles to live by, etching their wisdom into the bedrock of our existence.

Seen in this light, The “Ten Commandments” are really more like Ten Commitments that invite us to adopt a more reflective and proactive approach towards life, encouraging spiritual growth and empowerment. We’re reminded of the unique mission entrusted to us and the beautiful connection we share with the divine. May we be blessed to experience our Highest Truth.