By: Robert Zohar (11th Grade)
In this week’s Parsha, Parshat Yitro, Bnei Yisrael received the ten commandments. To me, these commandments represent the pillars of our religion. Even people I know who do not necessarily respect every aspect of the Torah, respect the commandments. These ten important rules do not simply show us how to connect with Hashem, but how to be a good person. Every person can relate to this idea on some level.
An example of this is Yitzchak's oldest son, Eisav. Even though Eisav was a Rashah, he always made sure to honor his parents; this is the sixth commandment. To me, this shows that everyone has the potential to follow the ten commandments and to follow in Hashem's ways. After all, we were created in God's image, as we learn during creation in Bereishit, and it is our job to connect to Hashem.
One lesson I feel that we can all take away from the giving of the commandments is that no matter how bad you think you are, you always have the potential to be better.
Thank you and Shabbat shalom!