The meforshim comment that this Parsha begins with a repeat of the Ten Commandments, with each of the verses corresponding to one previously.
There are some changes, and one of the most obvious is mentioned by Rashi. It says that a man should fear his mother and father, placing the mother first.
In the Aseres haDibros, the father is mentioned first, as it says, “Honor your father and mother.”
Rashi explains that Hashem knew the nature of people. Naturally, people are more fearful or reverent of their father, so here we are told to fear one’s mother.
However, when it comes to honor, the nature of people is to honor their mother more. Why? Because she speaks soothing and loving words to her children, and through that they desire to honor her and fulfill her requests.
This is a great lesson for anyone who wishes to help others become holy, as is the mandate of our parsha.
The way to influence people towards holiness is not by weaponizing religion or fearmongering, but by praising and building people up, so they can rise and achieve the greatness they were created to manifest.
Thought of the week:
True wealth is not about having all that you want, but not wanting the things you don’t have.
