Concealing the commandments – K’doshim
The problem of how to begin a speech is hinted at in the Midrash on the K’doshim reading, when it informs us (Lev. 19:1-2) that the entire people of Israel is being addressed, every group, every section, every tribe.
And why? Rabbi Chiyya explained that this reading lists all the basic principles of Judaism.
Rabbi Levi said it included the Ten Commandments.
You might not find the Decalogue if you look for the conventional wording, but you will find, “I am the Lord your God” (Lev. 19:3), “Do not make molten gods for yourselves” (verse 4), “Do not swear falsely by My Name” (verse 12), “Keep My Sabbaths” (verse 3), “Everyone shall revere their mother and father” (verse 3), “Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour” (verse 16), “An adulterer and adulteress shall be put to death” (verse 10), “Do not steal” (verse 11), “Do not go up and down as a talebearer” (verse 16), “Love your neighbour as yourself” (verse 18).
A concealed set of the Ten Commandments!
