Divine Double Talk - The Ten Commandments Are Only for Moses?

Autoplay Next

Divine Double Talk: The Ten Commandments Are Only for Moses?

Our Sages explain that the Ten Commandments were stated in the second person singular, rather than the plural, in order to provide Moses with an argument in defense of the Jewish People after they had worshipped the Golden Calf: Moses would be able to, and in fact did, argue that the commandment forbidding idolatry was addressed to him alone and not the people! This class will address this apparently bizarre defense and will shed light on the deeper nature of idolatry and its antidote.

Podcast:	Subscribe to Moishe New - Commentaries on the Torah Podcasts Video Apple RSS
Switch to Video

By Moishe New

Rabbi Moishe New heads the Montreal Torah Center. He is a sought out lecturer on Kabbalah and Chassidus, and their relevance in our lives today.

Join the Discussion

Sort By:

NewestOldest

4 Comments

Moishe New Hampstead January 28, 2023

Thanks Edwin for sharing.

Rochel, the point you make is of great significance. Thank you. The answer, in brief, is that G-d chose to have a desire. It is the ultimate free choice. Free of all values and considerations - for He created reason and values and is utterly beyond, them. In other words there is no reason or justification whatsoever for this desire. It is simply His free choice. Like G-d exists for no reason, so too His decision to have a desire is beyond all reason. Reply

Edwin Farrar January 15, 2023

Thank you for sharing. As I continue to learn, this has given me something else to consider and meditate on as I strive to walk the path HaShem has placed me on. I now have a better understanding of what Love your neighbor is telling me. Reply

Rochel Singer January 16, 2022

I am puzzled by a single question that is broached in Rabbi New's shiur; G-d's desire for the Jewish people arose in His thought and this Desire was the impetus for all Creation (even before Creation.)

Why would G-d desire anything? To 'desire' something means something is lacking and needs fulfillment and this seems a contradiction to the average (non-Kabbalistic) person's definition of G-d. While perhaps not a crucial point for all, it seems a crucial point underlying everything that follows!
Someone please explain, thank you. Reply

Yael Roth FL. February 10, 2016

So profound, but yet easily understood. Rabbi you brought this information down to Malchut, it remained germane, to connect to the soul, but mundane to connect with the physical. Reply

Divine Double Talk: The Ten Commandments Are Only for Moses?

More in this section

You may also be interested in...

Join the Discussion