The Ten Utterances

This week’s Torah portion, Yitro, brings forth the revelation at Sinai. Here is an interpretive translation of the Ten Utterances from Rabbi Yael Levy.

Standing at the foot of a mountain filled with flame,
We listened to the One reverberate in our hearts.
And in the silence, we heard the Mystery call:

1. I am, I was, I will be. I am the unfolding of all that is. I am constant transformation calling you forward to be.

2. You cannot arrest me in motion. You cannot grasp or hold onto time. Do not strive for certainty. Do not seek permanence.

3. Do not use a Divine name to make false promises. Do not use sacred teachings to lift up a destructive path.

4. Rest, Stop, Pause. Be. Honor creation. Declare your freedom. Rest and allow others to rest as well.

5. Honor your parents. Honor your ancestors. Honor those upon whose shoulders you stand.

6. Do not murder.

7. Do not betray.

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not use the power of words to hurt or destroy.

10. Feel the fullness of your life. Don’t be led astray by comparing yourself to others. Don’t get lost in desiring what others have. Be content, be fulfilled with what your life brings.

Shemot 20:1-14