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Article Summaries of Editors' Picks

Seeing the Sounds
The Zohar
All 613 commandments of the Torah derive essentially from the Ten Commandments. In addition, the total number of letters comprising the Ten Commandments is 620 - the sum of the 613 Biblical commandments plus the seven rabbinical commandments.
Souls, Good and Evil: Part 1
The Holy Ari
The Ari explains that Adam's eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil caused good and evil to become intermingled in his soul, as well as in all reality. Prior to this, the difference between good and evil was clear, and man's soul contained no admixture of evil; his perception was totally clear and unclouded by his ego.
The Guiding Hands of Torah
Mystical Classics
The first Five of the Ten Commandments deal with the honor of the Almighty, the Creator, whereas the latter five address man's needs and dignity. It appears that one set of five commandments was engraved on one of the two tablets, and the second on the other; we are to regard both groups of commandments as equally important.
A Sight to Behold
Chasidic Masters
The metaphor of sight is employed in describing lofty and awesome revelations that are very near to the recipients. Therefore, sight is used to describe the tremendous revelation of G-d's essence and the supernal joy experienced at the Torah's giving - as well as the delight of the Jewish nation at these revelations.
Making the Infinite Accessible
Contemporary Kabbalists
Moses embodied divine wisdom, whereas Jethro embodied natural, worldly wisdom. By declaring that all this knowledge led ultimately to the acceptance of G‑d's wisdom, Jethro paved the way for the Giving of the Torah. By bowing down to Jethro, Moses elevated natural wisdom and accepted it into the sphere of divine wisdom.
At the Mountain's Foot
Ascent Lights
One's voice can communicate what one is thinking; the Sages teach that there were five voices that accompanied the giving of the Torah to illustrate G-d's infinite nature - beyond that of the four levels within Creation - or even beyond the Four Worlds.
Receiving the Torah Anew
Mystic Story
“Enough!” the Shpoler Zeide called out. “That’s the final blow!”
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