This is the Parashah where God and Israel make the Covenant. It is made in the form of the 10 Sayings. We all are aware of the 10 Sayings/commandments and I suggest that each of us read them again this Shabbat and consider how we are in concert with them. The question that comes up for me this year: How do I honor my Covenant with God? Immersing myself in the 10 Commandments/sayings helps me do an inventory of where I am at this year. It is a great exercise to get ready for Passover.
How have I not worshipped any other gods this year? I have stayed loyal to Adonai through letting go of my beliefs that something other than my relationship with God will make me whole. I have stayed true to the Anochi in me, my soul, my spirit and my God-Image that Adonai placed in me and I renew it each day through prayer, study and deeds.
I have not made any false images this year. I have let go of false images of myself and God. I have stopped making caricatures of myself and continue to deepen my connection to Adonai and my true essence
I no longer ask God for anything material. I only ask for the power to know God’s Will for me and the power to carry it out. I am not interested in making promises I can’t keep. I am not willing to say one thing and mean another. I work hard to stay true to Adonai and my being.
I keep Shabbat through connection to family, friends and community. I keep Shabbat by not asking anyone to do something that I can do for myself and not engage in any creative work on Shabbat. I keep Shabbat through study and prayer. I keep Shabbat by allowing all of the week to go through me and use the learnings of this week to enhance the next.
I honor my parents through my actions. I am more decent, kind, loving and connected to family this year. I have made the effort to stay in touch, offer advice and support and love and kindness to my family, friends and community as my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and extended family members taught me. I honor my parents by having great and loving relationships with my siblings.
I do not murder people in any way this year. I have been tolerant of those I disagree with. I have let go of any resentments that I held towards those who hurt me. I do not need to get even or seek revenge.
I am not prostituting myself in order to get something. I am not telling people what they want to hear in order to gain their favor.
I am not stealing anything from anyone this year. I am living in truth and not falsehood. I am not misappropriating anything from anyone else. I am not jealous of anyone or anything.
I am not bearing false witness towards anyone. I do not need to make anyone else bad to make myself look good.
I do not want anyone else’s life! I want what I have and am enjoying my personal growth with no comparisons and no competitions.
I believe all of us need to check in with God and ourselves regarding our progress or lack thereof this year so we can return from Pandemic Quarantine healthy, joyous and free. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Mark