After Hashem freed the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, they travelled through the hot, dry desert. Hashem guided them, keeping them safe with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The people trusted Moses to lead them, and they followed Hashem’s path.

One day, they arrived at a great mountain called Mount Sinai. The mountain was tall and majestic, surrounded by clouds that seemed to glow with Hashem’s presence. Moses told the people, “Hashem wants to give us something very special, but we must prepare ourselves. We need to be ready to hear Hashem’s words and open our hearts to His teachings.”

For three days, the people prepared themselves. They washed their clothes, made sure to treat each other kindly, and gathered together with a feeling of excitement and respect. The children asked their parents, “What will Hashem say to us?” And the parents replied, “Hashem is giving us a gift—something to guide us in living good, meaningful lives.”

Finally, on the third day, the whole mountain began to tremble. Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, and a loud sound like a shofar—a ram’s horn—filled the air. The people were amazed and felt the greatness of Hashem’s presence all around them.

Moses climbed up the mountain to meet with Hashem. And there, high on Mount Sinai, Hashem gave Moses the Ten Commandments, a set of teachings to help the Jewish people live with kindness, respect, and love for Hashem and each other.

When Moses came down, he gathered everyone and shared Hashem’s special message. Here is what Hashem told them:

1. “I am Hashem, your God.”
   Hashem reminded the people that He was the One who had freed them from slavery in Egypt and that they could trust in Him.

2. “You shall have no other gods.”
   Hashem asked the people not to worship idols or other gods, as He was the only true God who cared for them.

3. “Do not take Hashem’s name in vain.”
   Hashem taught that His name is holy and should be spoken with respect.

4. “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”
   Hashem gave the gift of Shabbat, a special day each week to rest, spend time with family, and remember Hashem’s kindness.

5. “Honour your father and mother.”
   Hashem asked children to respect and listen to their parents, showing gratitude for their love and care.

6. “Do not harm others.”
   Hashem taught that life is precious and that we must treat others with kindness.

7. “Be faithful in your relationships.”
   Hashem reminded everyone to be loyal and kind to the people they love.

8. “Do not steal.”
   Hashem taught the people to respect each other’s belongings and not to take what isn’t theirs.

9. “Do not tell lies about others.”
   Hashem encouraged everyone to be honest and speak kindly about others.

10. “Do not be jealous of what others have.”
    Hashem wanted everyone to appreciate what they have and be happy for others, without feeling jealous.

The people listened closely, understanding that these commandments were gifts from Hashem, meant to guide them in living a good life. They knew these teachings would help them build a community filled with respect, love, and kindness.

After sharing the commandments, Moses reminded everyone that following Hashem’s teachings would help them live in harmony with each other and with Hashem. The people promised to keep these commandments, saying, “We will do, and we will listen!” With their promise, Hashem’s words became a part of them, lighting the way for the generations to come.

From that day forward, the Ten Commandments became the foundation of how the Jewish people lived, reminding them of their connection to Hashem and the importance of living with kindness, honesty, and gratitude.