The First of the Ten Commandments
I am Adonai Your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
— Exodus 20:2
It is noteworthy that this verse, which we read in this week’s Torah portion, does not command or forbid any specific activity. What is of particular interest is the Ten Commandments begin with a reminder that God took us out of slavery, and therefore, Jews owe their freedom and existence to God and, as we will soon learn, God wants something in return. What does God want? God wants us to live by the ideals that are articulated in the rest of Ten Commandments and in the balance of the Torah. Such is the mission of our people.
It is noteworthy that God asks for nothing for God. Rather, what God does demand is that people should treat each other justly and live holy lives.
The Torah is our roadmap of goodness. God cares primarily about how we act. That was a revolution in world history—one that began with this, the first of the Ten Commandments.
— Rabbi David Woznica
Rabbi David Woznica can be reached via email here.