As we read the Ten Commandments this Shabbat, we often focus on the “popular ones.” Don’t murder, don’t steal, and honor your parents. Yet, we must look carefully at how the commandments begin.

Anochi adonai eloheicha–I am the Lord your God.

This is a commandment? It appears more like a statement. Sefer Hachinuch, the book that details the rationale behind the 613 mitzvot, explains this statement contains two parts of a commandment.

1. A fundamental tenet of Judaism is to acknowledge that God exists.

2. A belief in God must go beyond acknowledging God’s existence but also include a daily awareness to transform our thoughts into words and words into actions.

These two principles permit us to struggle with faith challenges while also recognizing that there is a presence greater than us in the world.

It enables us to wonder at God’s miracles of our ancestors and also to give thanks for the miracles of today. This Shabbat, as we receive revelation at Sinai once again, know that with our faith we continue to be a vibrant part of this story, too.