Hi,

Hope all is well.

And that you had a nice Passover.  And had enough to eat!

… We had started the “Ten Commandments”.

How one tablet was about our obligations to G-d.

Like not worshiping idols.  And observing Shabbat.

What we might call “theology” or “ritual observance”.

And the other tablet?

Obligations to other people.  What we would call ethics and morality.

Being a good person.

And how the Torah makes a point for all times.

To never think we can have a relationship with G-d and ignore our obligations to other people.

…. Someone once said, that the word but should be banned from the English language.

Using it is almost always a bad idea.  Like, “I really love you, but…)

… But there is another side to it.

The Torah is making another point.  Which is just as important.

That being a good person is very important.

But it’s not enough.

G-d does demand more of us.

He wants us to have a relationship with Him.  To not forget about Him.

And that’s one of the reasons we need things like Shabbat and prayer.

They’re both a time to step back and get in touch..

… And there’s something else.

Some people say, “All this religious stuff is not for me.

 Things like “ritual”.  Prayer.  Shabbat.

I’m a good person.  And that’s enough.

Is it?

If we think about it, it really isn’t.

Because G-d is the Source of everything with which we’re blessed.

Like life.  Health.  The special people in our lives.

And if there’s anything He wants us to do?

We have an ethical obligation to listen to Him.

… What if we’re not really sure what else He wants from us?

Or not even sure he really wants anything else?

Then we have an ethical obligation to try to find out.

By asking questions.  By trying to learn more of his Torah.

And by finally coming to one of Rabbi Moshe Katz’s classes!

And if this Torah Minute does not convince you?

Here’s another reason to come.

It would make me feel good!

All the best,