Friday January 31,1997                              Erev ShabbatShvat 24, 5757

Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)
Something to think about:

	I usually do not spend too much space reviewing the parsha itself;
leaving you to your own resources. But an article I saw related that over
34% of clergy interviewed could not list the Ten Commandments (featured
this week):  So here goes! 

I am the L-rd your G-d ... The acceptance of Hashem as one's master serves
as the cornerstone for any commandment that is to follow.  

There shall be no other gods ...  Even though this is the common
translation, the more correct translation is "gods of others".  "Other
gods" implies that there exist forces or powers independent of G-d, that
we are prohibited from worshipping.  Whereas, "gods of others" recognizes
that there are other people who deify these forces. (see Rashi) 

You shall not take the name of Hashem in vain ... Ramban (Nachmanides)
writes that this includes saying Hashem's name unnecessarily.  [This is
the basis of using "Hashem" (literally, "the name") in place of the actual
name and the spelling G-d, without the O.]

Remember the Sabbath ... Our efforts during the work-week can cause us to
forget that there is a creator and a power greater than ourselves.  We
need one day to reflect and take a reality check. 

Honor your parents ... Our gratitude towards Hashem that is
reflected in the first four statements now filters down to parents and
others who deserve our gratitude.  

Do not murder ... The Talmud states that shaming a person and taking away
one's livelihood is included in this prohibition. 

Do not commit adultery ... The Talmud writes that this prohibition
includes assisting others (i.e. allowing the use of one's premises). 
There is an area of Jewish law called "YICHUD" that offers very practical
restrictions to prevent lapses of morality. 

Do not steal ... Included in this is taking the ideas of others and
passing them off as your own.  

Do not bear false witness ... Maimonides writes that hearsay evidence is
prohibited no matter how impeachable its source.

Do not covet ... The MeAm Loez writes that one should not even covet his
own things. Don't become so attached to them for this will cause
stinginess and the inability to part with them to benefit others.

	It is important to point out that these commandments were given in
the singular form.  This teaches personal responsibility for my actions. 
I am required to act morally even if "the group" does not; and even when
no others see.  


Good Shabbos!!  Rabbi Hirsh Michel Chinn