William Haines - 10 commandments part 2

You need to change it. The thing about negative laws is that they create space. It means you can do anything you want except these ten things; everything else is okay. Positive laws, on the other hand, say you must do this and this and this, which is very limited. A negative law allows you to pursue your original mind and be creative, whereas positive laws impose restrictions. In a sense, a natural duty is sort of positive, but there are many different ways to fulfill that duty. However, a duty is not enforceable by law; it's a moral obligation. Some duties, like paying taxes, are enforceable by law, but you don't need to pay more tax than you have to. There's also a moral obligation to stay alive as well as you can.

The Jewish understanding of laws didn't feel that they were oppressive; they felt laws were liberating because they created space. Imagine living in a society where people don't steal from each other. You can walk out the door without needing to lock it or your car. You feel comfortable and free. If you live in a society where nobody ever gets mugged, you feel safe and free to express yourself without being worried or hemmed in. In that sense, laws govern society and create freedom. They are liberating because you don't need to worry about being mugged or living behind bars with bodyguards. When you're living in a castle with bars on the windows and bodyguards, are you free? It's like being in a prison.

When we were living in Russia, all the windows of the first two or three floors had thick iron bars, and the doors had thick steel doors. That was the way it was. The main fear in Russia was just other people breaking in, stealing, and killing. There wasn't respect for property because communism abolished private property, which led to a lack of respect for this sense. On the other extreme, you could pick someone's flower from their garden, and they would shoot you for defending their property rights. This is how the biblical attitude towards the law is expressed: 'How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.' This sense of tasting the word of God is significant. Has anyone here ever tasted God? Have you ever had that sort of taste of being in the presence of God?

Your statutes are wonderful; therefore, I keep them. Streams of tears flow from my eyes for your laws not followed. This is someone who really loves God, loves God's words, and feels brokenhearted when they see people violating these laws. One of the questions posed is about the story of the ring. When you wear it, nobody can see you, and you can do anything you want. Would you be unjust in that situation? If you were to be good, why would you be good? Because you care about others. This raises the question of why we should keep the laws and why we should be good. The biblical idea here is called 'tikkun.' The Jews have this idea that law is not just law as we understand it; it's an act of human kindness. By keeping the laws, they believe they are repairing the world and making it a better place.

Through keeping these little laws, they are changing themselves, the spiritual atmosphere around them, their relationships, and the world. Every small deed they do becomes invested with meaning. For example, before a Jew would go into Jerusalem to the temple, they would have to have a bath. Even though the temple was destroyed, they still had to keep this commandment. The rabbis thought about how to keep this commandment without a temple. They concluded that the world in which we live is the temple of God. When we wake up in the morning, we are entering the temple of God, so we need to wash and prepare ourselves. If you do this with that consciousness, it changes you. You wake up, say your prayers, wash, and think, 'I am now entering the temple of God.' Every little action then becomes invested with meaning.

They believe that through this, they hasten the Messianic age and strengthen good spiritual forces. This also makes Jews believe they can become better people and influence the world positively. The commandments are connected to living a moral life, which is also a religious life. Through living a moral life, we develop a relationship with God. Living a moral life is meaningful, and all the small things we do become invested with meaning. The way one lays the table, eats, goes to the toilet, and goes to bed all become meaningful. Every moment is an opportunity to experience God. God is present all the time, everywhere. God said to Moses, 'Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them,

Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

Smoked foods often contain nitrites and other substances that are not good for you. While they may be delicious, historical texts have indicated for over three thousand years that such foods are unhealthy. This raises an important question: what should we eat to live healthily? A balanced diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, and lean meats like chicken and turkey, which are among the healthiest options. In contrast, pork is generally considered the least healthy meat. Understanding these dietary guidelines is essential, especially since the laws regarding food were given in a time without modern refrigeration.

Moreover, living a religious life involves taking care of our physical bodies, as God desires to dwell within us. This means we should be mindful of our diets and avoid excessive sugar, which can lead to health issues like diabetes. Engaging in physical activities, such as playing rugby once a week, is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The broader picture here is that for God to send the Messiah, a foundation of faith must be established, which entails living a spiritual life based on the teachings given to us.

The central figure in this narrative is Moses, who received the tablets after fasting for forty days. The foundation of this covenant was that the Hebrews should love and respect Moses, listen to him, and work together for the common good. God made a proposal to the people, who agreed to follow it. Subsequently, the Lord instructed Moses to ascend the mountain to receive the tablets of stone containing the law and commandments for their guidance.

After Moses ascended the mountain, he was called upon by the Lord on the seventh day. During this time, he was instructed to fast for forty days to compensate for the faithlessness that had emerged among the people. The Israelites agreed to uphold the covenant, committing to keep the commandments and follow Moses while worshipping at the Tabernacle. God required them to fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, and serve Him with all their heart and soul, while adhering to the commandments given for their well-being. This encapsulates the essence of the Ten Commandments, which we can explore further next week.