Shabbat Blast

Dear Congregation Beth Ohr,
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For those of you who have seen History of the World Part 1, you know the scene showing Moses carrying 3 tablets. He is about to present the "15 commandments"  when he accidentally drops one tablet, and promptly corrects himself and presents the "10 commandments."

This is engraved in my understanding of the 10 commandments and I have often wondered, what would be the extra 5? Or even, what would be the 11th commandment? Are those to be chosen by each generation. Our tradition has another 603, but what would make it on that 3rd tablet? I'm sure each of us has a different answer. 

The Eleventh Commandment was a phrase used by President Ronald Reagan during his 1966 campaign for Governor of California. The Commandment reads: "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican." I'm sure that doesn't work for everyone. In fact, sometimes, a little tochecha, rebuke, is a necessary part of life. 

Recently, I have come to believe the 11th commandment of this century is: "Do better for your children than you had in your childhood."  This certainly is the feeling in our neighborhood. People who grew up without a backyard often want to want to give more space and lots of grass to their children. For each of us, this means something else. Maybe you only went out to eat on special occasions as a child and want to give more luxury to your family. Your Bar Mitzvah was probably a nice luncheon after services. These days, people are renting out MSG. 

I would add to this commandment: "But remind them that we were strangers in the land of Egypt." This teaching is one of humility. Know that we come from humble beginnings so that we can be giving to those in need. It can be easy for me to forget that only 2 generations ago, my great-grandfather peddled a fruit and vegetable cart. Perhaps this combination, "do better for your children and remember that we were once strangers," can help us lead a balanced life in our gratitude and help us put our lives in perspective.

What would your 11th commandment be? 

Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Bernstein


You can view the clip HERE

Don't Forget!