The Talmud[2] teaches that the sages would have instituted the recital of the Ten Commandments in shul every day but refrained from doing so avoiding creating a situation in which some people would be able to claim that only that portion of the Torah is divine. There are some scholars who believe that the same problem may arise if people will stand specifically for the reading of the Ten Commandments[3]. Not only is there a chance that certain people will verbalize the idea that only the Ten Commandments were dictated to Moses by God, but there is the additional effect created by the actions that people are taking which may directly influence their thoughts and feelings[4]. This issue is not at all insignificant because one who does not believe that each and every word of the Torah was dictated to Moses by God has no portion in the world to come[5].
Rav Moshe Feinstein[6]expresses a different opinion on this issue. He claims that there is a good reason to stand during the reading of this portion because it reminds us of the special preparation that the people engaged in prior to hearing the only words God ever spoke to an entire nation. The fact that the sages prohibited reciting the Ten Commandments each day yet did not add any guidelines as far as reading them during services is enough to allow us to stand during this time. The Igrot Moshe adds that in a case like ours in which we find no explicit prohibition one should not create a machloket and should follow the minhag. It seems to me that his main consideration was making sure that people would not fight over such a holy issue.
Taking all of the above into consideration, I would like to suggest that when instituting a custom in regards to reading the Ten Commandments we should take the following approach: Before reading the sixth portion we should announce that everyone should arise. This way people will not stand up right before the Ten Commandments[7]are read but will still be able to express the sentiments that Rav Moshe Feinstein mentioned.
May we merit having only peace among us, and may we be able to listen deeply to each and every word of the Torah and hear the voice of the Almighty.
[1]Specifically in regards to this issue, see Yechaveh Da’at 6:8[2]Berachot 12a[3]Rambam’s responsa, the Freiman edition, Jerusalem 1934, chapter 46 and others. [4] As the Sefer Hachinuch says in Mitzvah 16, the heart is drawn a person’s actions. [5]Talmud Sanhedrin 99a[6]Igrot Moshe OC 4:22[7]Rav Ovadia Yossef suggests this in regards to one who is davening in a shulthat has the minhag to stand. See Yechaveh Da’at 6:8
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