The Ten commandments

Chasidic teachings elaborate upon G-d’s purpose in creating the world—that there should be a fusion of spirit and matter.

Since G-d created the world in a manner that it is predominantly material, our task—generally speaking—is to infuse it with a higher purpose, and to reveal the inner, spiritual core which pulsates within every one of G-d’s creations.

There is, however, a danger in “overdosing” the world with too much spirit, beyond that which it can comfortably absorb.

We must never forget that the goal is a unity of matter and spirit, where the physical world is “at home” with its Creator. We must invigorate   and inspire our world, and not burn or blind it with a light that is     too intense.

From where do we derive the strength and the sensitivity to achieve this difficult balance?

The answer is: from the two accounts of the Ten Commandments written in the Torah. The first account (in Parshas Yisro) where G-d’s voice shattered the heavens and the earth, gives us the ability to break through the barriers between spiritual and physical, and infuse the mundane world with Divinity.

The repetition of the Ten Command­ments, here in Parshas Va’eschanan, was said by Moshe, and was thus articulated in more human terms. This gives us the strength to bring Divine revelation to the world harmoniously, respecting the limitations that exist and yet gradually inspiring the world to over­ come its limitations and become a “home for G-d below.”

(Based on Sichas Shabbos Parshas Yisro 5752)

Some time ago Kol Menachem launched an online classroom for Jews on the go – ‘Torah in Ten’. The series provides weekly insightful conversations on the current Torah portion. The class includes interesting commentaries from renowned historical figures as well as modern views in addition to thought provoking and inspiring questions.

Announcing his new idea Rabbi Miller wrote: “In this go, go, go world we live in, it can be difficult to sit down and find time to study the weekly parsha. And when shabbos rolls around, we all wish we had studied more and could contribute to the conversation at the shabbos table. Not to mention our children, don’t we all wish we could provide them beautiful insights into the weekly parsha?”.

‘Torah in Ten’ is now available not only from a computer.  Asked by Jewish iPhone Community and many more iPhone users Kol Menachem kindly agreed to change the format of presentation so that weekly portion of  ‘Torah in Ten’ was available to be watched on iPhone’s/iPad’s screens.  Nu, now then, what kind of excuse will you come up with?

Torah in Ten will take place every Tuesday,  for ten minutes.  Let’s sum up with Rebbe’s words: “Our task is solely to illuminate the world with the light of  Torah,  Judaism and Chassidus”.

Your weekly “Torah In Ten” videocast by Rabbi Chaim Miller – Parshas Va’eschanan

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Shabbat Shalom.
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