Do Jews Believe the 10 Commandments? Understanding Their Role in Judaism

The 10 Commandments: A Brief Overview

The 10 Commandments—also known as the Decalogue—are one of the most well-known aspects of religious tradition. These commandments are often associated with Christianity and Judaism, and they feature prominently in the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. But, do Jews believe in the 10 Commandments?

Let me take you through a bit of a personal story here: a few months ago, I had a conversation with my friend David, who is Jewish, about the role of these commandments in his faith. Honestly, I was surprised by his answer—it wasn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” It got me thinking about how different religious communities, even within the same faith, might interpret these commandments. So, let’s dive into it.

Judaism and the 10 Commandments: A Central But Not All-Encompassing Concept

Are the 10 Commandments Central to Jewish Belief?

Yes, the 10 Commandments are absolutely central to Judaism, but here’s the thing: they’re not the only guiding principles. In Jewish tradition, the 10 Commandments are part of a much larger framework of laws and ethical guidelines. The Torah, which is the foundational text of Jewish law, contains 613 commandments (called mitzvot), not just 10.

In our conversation, David mentioned that while the 10 Commandments are important, the other commandments—ranging from dietary laws (like kosher rules) to ethical duties—are just as crucial in everyday Jewish life. So, while Jews do believe in the 10 Commandments, they also understand that their faith is far broader than just these ten directives.

How Are the 10 Commandments Viewed in Jewish Ritual?

When it comes to rituals and practice, the 10 Commandments are revered. They are read aloud during certain Jewish holidays, especially during Shavuot, the holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah. I remember once attending a synagogue service on Shavuot, where the rabbi took special time to discuss the significance of the commandments in a modern context. It was enlightening, but honestly, it was also a bit of a revelation to me—because I had always thought of the 10 Commandments as the guiding principles in Judaism, not just part of a bigger picture.

The Difference Between Jewish and Christian Views

You might be wondering how the Jewish understanding of the 10 Commandments differs from the Christian one. Well, Jews view the commandments as part of a covenant between God and the Jewish people, one that’s not just a list of rules but an ongoing relationship. For Christians, the 10 Commandments are essential but often seen as part of the larger framework of Jesus' teachings. The focus is different in that regard.

I got into this in a conversation with my colleague Rachel, who grew up Christian. She told me, "We see the commandments almost like a foundational moral code that Jesus fulfills in the New Testament." It’s clear that in Christianity, these commandments are often viewed as a moral baseline for all of humanity, while in Judaism, they’re deeply tied to the covenant with the Jewish people specifically.

Jewish Views on Specific Commandments: What’s Really Believed?

The First Commandment: "I am the Lord Your God"

The first commandment in the list, "I am the Lord your God", is more of a declaration of faith than a direct command. In Judaism, this is seen as an affirmation of the covenant between God and the people of Israel. It's not just about acknowledging God's existence, but recognizing a relationship based on the belief in the One true God.

David told me that this commandment sets the tone for all the others—it's not about simply following rules, it’s about living in a relationship with God, with a sense of duty to uphold the values God has set out for the Jewish people. So, while this first commandment is believed and followed, it’s viewed more as an existential premise than a direct "rule."

"Honor Your Father and Mother" – A Universal Value

One commandment that always catches people’s attention is the one about honoring your parents. It’s so simple but so profound. It resonates universally, not just in Judaism, but across many cultures. I remember my mom telling me how this commandment shaped her view of family and respect growing up. In Jewish tradition, this commandment is taken seriously and is often discussed in rabbinic texts as part of the broader family and community ethics.

It’s not just about obeying parents in a literal sense; it’s about upholding the values of respect, dignity, and care for others in the family unit. And, yes, Jews absolutely believe in this one, though its interpretation might evolve in different communities or contexts.

Modern Applications: Do Jews Still Follow the 10 Commandments Today?

Applying the Commandments in Daily Life

While many Jews continue to follow the basic ethical and moral teachings of the 10 Commandments, the practical application has evolved over time. Many of the commandments, like the prohibition of adultery or theft, are directly applicable to daily life today. Others, like the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy, are more challenging to implement in a modern, fast-paced society.

A conversation I had with my friend Isaac—who works in a high-pressure corporate job—highlighted the struggle many modern Jews face. Isaac said, “You know, keeping the Sabbath is tough in today’s world. But, I do try to make time for family and rest. It’s more about the spirit of it, rather than the letter of the law.” His words stuck with me, because they show how modern-day Jews find ways to balance tradition with the demands of contemporary life.

The 10 Commandments in Secular Jewish Life

Not all Jews adhere to every aspect of the commandments strictly, especially those who identify as secular. For many, the 10 Commandments still hold ethical weight, but they may interpret them more symbolically. I once spoke with a secular Jewish friend who told me, "I respect the commandments as guidelines, but I don’t necessarily follow them literally. They serve more as moral reminders." For this group, the values represented by the commandments hold significance, but they may not see them as absolute laws to be followed to the letter.

Conclusion: Do Jews Believe in the 10 Commandments?

So, to answer the question—do Jews believe in the 10 Commandments? The answer is both yes and no, depending on how you look at it. Jews do believe in the 10 Commandments, but they are part of a larger framework of beliefs and laws in Judaism. These commandments are foundational but not the whole story. While the commandments are honored and followed by many Jews, their interpretation and application can vary, and in some cases, they’re seen more as guiding principles than strict rules.

In the end, the 10 Commandments are just one piece of the complex and rich tapestry of Jewish law, ethics, and tradition. And how they are viewed can change, evolve, and adapt—just as the people who follow them do.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

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Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.