לא את אבותינו כרת יה-וה את-הברית הזאת כי איתנו אנחנו אלה פא היום כלנו חיים: פנים בפנים דבר יה-וה עמכם בהר מתוך האש
It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, the living, every one of us who is here today. Face to face the Lord spoke to you on the mountain out of the fire. [JPS translation. Edited for gender neutrality]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. This text serves as an introduction to the Ten Commandments. Why does Moses introduce the Ten Commandments in this manner?
2. Why do we take things more seriously if we are personally implicated in them? Can you think of another example of something in which you feel you have a personal stake, and are therefore more committed to?
Time Period: Biblical (early ancestors to 165 BCE)