1. “MOSES CAME DOWN THE MOUNTAIN WITH THE TABLETS IN HIS HAND. THEY WERE WRITTEN ON BOTH SIDES, WITH THE WRITING VISIBLE FROM EITHER SIDE. (32:15)

We have the picture in our minds.

Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with the Tablets.

The Ten Commandments.

And he presents them to the people.

… But the Torah tells us something very interesting.

That the writing could be seen from both sides.

That means, that the very same words faced Moshe.

And were directed to him.

An important lesson for Moshe. The teacher of the Jewish People.

And for each of us. Because we are all teachers.

Whether it’s to our children. We try to teach them Jewish values. Encourage them to be involved Jews.

We want them to be honest. Generous. And considerate of others.

Or when we sometimes correct a friend. Because we care.

Whenever we teach. We must first be sure of one thing.

That we are not just preaching.

But that we make the same demands of ourselves.

And that we live up to them.

Because let’s face it. No one listens to preaching.

But most people are willing to follow a good example.

2. “G-D GAVE MOSES TWO TABLETS OF STONE.(31:18)

The Ten Commandments.

The basis of Western values and morality.

Think about what we are told about them.

What were they written on?

Stone tablets.

Where were they kept?

In the Jewish Temple. Inside the Ark.

Made of wood.

It’s symbolic.

Stone represents that which is unchanging. Constant.

Wood on the other hand? From trees. It’s symbolic of growth. Change. Adaptability.

It’s a very important message.

Because, Jewish values aren’t always popular. And they aren’t always easy.

But they are absolute.

And they challenge us to change. To improve.

ONE EXAMPLE: TAKE GOSSIP. LASHON HARA.

It’s everywhere.

The media. The boardroom. And the simple telephone call to a friend.

Sometimes it’s hard to resist.

And left to ourselves, we would probably justify it:

“After all: It’s true … everyone knows about it … I don’t mean anything by it …”

… But the Torah says: No! It’s wrong.

And that it doesn’t matter what society has accepted.

There are absolutes.

3. STORY OF THE WEEK

A Rabbi was about to give an informal class on Jewish ethics and values to his students.

The group met in his office. And as the students walked in carrying their chairs, he told them the following:

“… When you bring in a chair for yourself, what are you?

A ‘shlepper’. A guy carrying something from one place to another.

… But what about, if each of you would bring in a chair for someone else?

It’s the same amount of effort. And each of you still ends up with a chair.

But now, you’re doing a chessed. An act of kindness.”

… It’s an interesting thought.

How sometimes we can take a simple act.

And make it something special.