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The Ten Commandments begin with “I am Hashem.” Why was it
necessary to state this? Bnei Yisrael had observed Hashem’s might in
Egypt as well as at the sea. Also, why is the mitzvah to honor one’s
parents included in the Ten Commandments?
Hashem wanted to transmit the message behind the words “I am Hashem”
as a lesson for generations. The Chafetz Chaim states that the more one
integrates this message into his mindset, the more his faith in Hashem will
increase, and he will more easily accept life’s vicissitudes.
The main aspect of emunah is that one recognize Hashem’s kindnesses
with him. But one must beware of the power of habit. Internalizing how
much Hashem does for him will help him overcome the habit of taking
things for granted. Similarly, the mitzvah of honoring one’s parents was
included in the Ten Commandments. By working on feeling gratitude
toward one’s parents for all they have done for him, one will feel gratitude
to Hashem, as well.
Scientists waste much time asking how the world came into being, when
they should, instead, focus on who created the world. Every day, new “I am Hashem, your G-d, Who has taken
evidence is discovered, contradicting that which was stated previously. you out of the land of Egypt, from the house
Still, they deny a Higher Being, Who manages Creation.
of slavery”
Conversely, Avraham Avinu knew, from the beginning, that there is a (Devarim 5:6)
Master of the world. He went out to search for Him. Hashem saw his
earnestness, and revealed Himself to him, appointing him the father of
many nations.
