Only You

The Jewish people were gathered around the mountain, inaugurated as a new nation. Receiving the Ten Commandments and finalizing the exodus from Egypt as a new unified entity.

Interestingly, the first commandment “Anochi Hashem Elokecha” addresses each individual in the singular form -“I am your (each individual’s) G-d” and not the plural form (all of yours).

Even as the newly anointed Jewish Nation, G-d opens the first commandment by addressing each individual. Because, while community is important, Judaism is a religion that relies on and empowers the individual. The expectations and responsibilities are each person’s alone.

Judaism is a religion that relies on and empowers the individual.

– Rabbi Shmulik Yeshayahu

The only way we can ensure true change is if each is tasked with their own connection to the Divine and with the personal mission to be an ambassador for Good and G-d in this world.

While we often refer to G-d as “our” G-d in the plural form, here at the giving of the Torah, G-d is emphasizing the personal connection and responsibility we each have.

This is the power of the individual: do not say, “It is someone else’s job to do”, or “but, nobody else is doing it”…the true power of the entire Jewish Nation is the power of the individual.

It is up to you.