Weekly Hebrew Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus on two commandments today:
  • Commandment 8: Lo Tignov
  • Commandment 9: Lo Ta'aneh

Commandment 8: Lo Tignov (You Shall Not Steal)

• Translation: "Not you will steal"
• Breakdown of Terms:
  • Lo: Means "not"
  • Tignov: Imperfect form of the verb "ganav" (to steal)
  • Imperfect Tense: Indicates incompleteness; commonly translates as "you will"
• Context:
  • Addresses individual action (stealing from a neighbor) rather than systemic issues (e.g., government policies)
  • Basic ethical principle: respect others' property

Commandment 9: Lo Ta'aneh (You Shall Not Bear False Witness)

• Translation: "You will not answer against your neighbor a false witness"
• Breakdown of Terms:
  • Ta'aneh: Means "to answer" or "to bear witness"
  • Sheker: Means "false"
  • Pronunciation focuses on accents and syllables
• Context:
  • Specifically addresses legal testimony rather than general dishonesty
  • Importance of truthful witness testimony in the absence of technology (videos, recordings)
  • Legal implications: False witness can lead to dire consequences, including the wrongful conviction or execution of innocent people
• Historical Example:
  • Mention of Emmett Till's case as a historical instance where false witness had severe consequences
  • Highlights the danger of bearing false witness in lawless societies, particularly regarding race relations in the U.S. South

Conclusion

• Summary of today's focus: Commandments 8 and 9
• Upcoming discussion: Commandment 10 next week, relating to different reckonings in various traditions (Catholic, Lutheran, Jewish)