What is the Essence of Judaism?

Ten is an important number in Jewish tradition, and in this parashah we read the second telling of the Ten Commandments. Though many consider the essence of Judaism to be the Ten Commandments, they aren't necessarily the most important of the 613 commandments. More important than being able to recite the Ten Commandments from memory is embodying the essence of those commandments and practicing them. God tells Moses, "Go up on the high place and raise your gaze, look out," challenging him to look up from his everyday tasks and see beyond the present moment to the future. We can all be inspired by that challenge, and look towards a future where each of us can distill Judaism into its essence, perhaps the way Micah taught: "Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss Parashat Va-et'chanan. View the transcript of this podcast >