Yisro, Moshe’s father-in-law, was a priest in Midian. He was a seeker of truth, and had experimented with all the known religions of the time. Like all the other nations he also heard about the wonders G-d had performed for the Jewish people when they left Egypt. He appreciated the precision of G-d’s retribution against the Egyptians, measure for measure for all their sins. However, unlike the other nations, he decided to act upon his inspiration and join the Jewish people.
Shortly thereafter, Yisro saw the people waiting to hear Moshe’s rulings and judgment, from early morning until night. Yisro felt it was not respectful for the people to have to wait all day to have their questions answered. Furthermore, he was concerned that Moshe would get worn out. He suggested to Moshe that they set up a different system, where there would be lower courts trained, where people could present their minor disputes and queries. Moshe heeded his father-in-law’s advice.
This was a lesson in truth, that even the advice of a newcomer to the community could be accepted by the leader without any reservations. An honest criticism or suggestion must be listened to, regardless of its source. The Talmud comments that a wise person is one who learns from everybody.
This portion also describes the Revelation at Sinai. Although G-d offered all the nations His Torah, the Jewish people answered in unison “We will do and we will hear.” They agreed to accept all of G-d’s commandments, even before hearing what they were. This act of faith on their part earned the Jewish people an eternal status of chosenness.
The world came to a standstill as G-d communicated the Ten Commandments to the people. The Rabbis say that only the first two commandments were heard directly from G-d. After the first two, the people were frightened to hear the rest directly from G-d, so Moshe relayed the remaining commandments to them.
After the Revelation, Moshe climbed to the top of the mountain for forty days where G-d taught him the rest of the commandments and all their details.
Although the Ten Commandments were only a sampling of the 613 mitzvos in the Torah, the commentaries explain that all the commandments are alluded to in these ten. Besides the commandments themselves, though, the experience of Revelation at Mount Sinai left an indelible mark upon World History.
Do not covet the house of your neighbor (Ex. 20:14)
A poor disciple of the Alexander Rebbe was waiting in line to share his pain with the Rebbe, and to receive his blessings. A wealthy man entered and seemed to take forever with the Rebbe. When it was finally the poor man’s turn, he spilled his heart before the Rebbe and the Rebbe warmly offered his blessings.
“That’s all?” the man asked. “Is there favoritism even here? Why did the Rebbe give that rich man so much more time than me?”
The sage smiled and explained: “I try to help people with advice or blessings. As soon as you opened your mouth it was clear how I must help you. When that man entered with all his pomp and splendor, however, he didn’t think he needed any help at all. I had to peel away layer after layer to make him understand how much help he really needs before I could assist him. That’s what took so much time. Believe me, my friend, there’s nothing there you need to be jealous of!”
It is prohibited to sculpt the image of a human being, as this is comparable to making an idol. Many authorities only prohibit sculpting an entire body, but not merely the face or head of a human being.
Even keeping a sculpture in one’s possession may involve some problems. Most authorities permit one to own dolls, either because they are generally not anatomically correct, or because they are clearly intended for child’s play, and would never be used for worship purposes.
An image that was actually used for worship, such as a totem pole, should not even be viewed for pleasure, as one may not derive any benefit from idolatry.
