On Mt. Sinai, over 3,000 years ago, the Jewish people heard these ten sayings. But these days, many of us may not even know what they are. Rav Binny takes us behind-the-scenes of the ten commandments and shows us how they are just as relevant to achieving our life’s goals now in our time as they were when first given.
Introduction and First Commandment
To begin this series, Rav Binny first explores the connection between the Ten Plagues, the Ten Sayings that G-d used to create the world, and the Ten Commandments. Then he jumps right into the first commandment, which is to know G-d. But wait, how is it possible to know G-d?
Second Commandment: Breaking Our Idols
Having no other gods, except the one and only G-d, is the second commandment given to the Jewish people at Sinai. Rav Binny addresses and answers the questions: What exactly is idolatry? Why is a prohibition against bowing down to stone and wood relevant to us now in this modern age?
Third Commandment: Taking G-d’s Name in Vain
You shall not take G-d’s name in vain, because G-d will not hold you guiltless, is the third commandment. Common misconceptions and misinterpretations of this commandment are explored and clarified through Rav Binny’s illumination of a key teaching from the Talmud.
How is Shabbat both a taste of the Garden of Eden, and also a vestige of the World to Come? Maybe it has to do with why G-d created Shabbat, or maybe with the consequences of Adam eating from the tree, or maybe with both… And tell me, exactly how do I get back to the Garden?
What does it mean to ‘shamor’ (guard) and ‘zachor’ (remember) Shabbat? And, how do I bring this guarding and remembering into action? In this class, Rav Binny reminds us of the joy of Shabbat, the importance of being in the moment, and how to make each Shabbat even more meaningful than the one before.
Rav Binny takes a unique angle on Shabbat by opening us up to the connection between Shabbat and angels! He will also inspire you with the beauty and depth of blessing your children at the Shabbat table.
Fifth Commandment: Honoring Your Father and Mother
Why is honoring your father and mother placed on the first Tablet with the mitzvot related to a Jew’s relationship with G-d, and not on the second Tablet, which deals with mitzvot between fellow Jews? And why do we need to be told to honor our parents, isn’t that common sense?
Sixth Commandment: Murder (2002)
In this intimate class, Rav Binny tackles some heavy-hitting life questions: What is murder? What does it mean ‘don’t murder’? Doesn’t G-d determine when a person dies? Is there an objective right and wrong? Is there objective truth?
Sixth Commandment: Whose Life is it Anyway?
Here, Rav Binny presents a whole different set of perspectives than the other class on Murder. In this class learn about other forms of murder, such as embarrassing a person in public and withholding tzedaka. Also, Rav Binny explores how the act of murder, like all actions, is a statement about one’s relationship with G-d.
Seventh Commandment: Adultery (2002)
Another intimate class where Rav Binny asks the challenging questions: What is adultery and why can’t you do it? If something makes everyone ‘feel better’ then is it good? How do you define what is ‘feeling good’ and what is ‘happiness’? What is marriage, and what is love?
Seventh Commandment: What is Adultery?
This class is an analysis of the act of adultery and its very problematic consequences, different than the other Adultery class. Over here, Rav Binny looks at the selfishness and self-gratification which underlie the act, as well as its close relationship with idolatry, among other topics.
Eighth Commandment: Stealing, part 1
In the first of this 2-part series, Rav Binny asks and explores the questions: What is the definition of theft? Can you steal for a good purpose? What is the nature of theft? What is the right penalty of theft?
Eighth Commandment: Stealing, part 2
This second class on stealing expands to other forms of theft that a person can be involved in. It also addresses the nature of possession, personal responsibility, and how we can even steal from ourselves!
Ninth Commandment: False Testimony
This class will open your eyes. Rav Binny clarifies what lying is from the Torah perspective, and when it is even appropriate and permissible to tell a lie. The damaging consequences of lying are also illuminated.
Tenth Commandment: Coveting
We have all heard, “Thou Shalt Not Covet”, but what really is ‘coveting’? What is the significance of this being the 10th and last of all the commandments? And how much of what we want determines who we are?
