Did you know medieval Rabbinic scholars disagree regarding whether the first commandment “I am Hashem Your G-d” is actually a commandment?
The dispute revolves around the understanding of the words “I am Hashem.” Should these words be understood as a command to believe in G-d and to know G-d exists, or should they be understood as an introduction to let us know who is speaking?
Imagine your boss coming into your office and saying “Stop what you’re doing and pay attention because the boss has something to say.”
Some scholars understand the first commandment in this way.
So what we think of as The Ten Commandments might actually be nine commandments and an introduction to let us know who is speaking and why it is so important for us listen.
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