Why these 10? The rabbis question the custom of standing while the 10 Commandments are read in synagogue. Why show respect over and beyond what we show to the entire Torah? These verses are no more holy than any other. For that reason, many suggest that the congregation rise before the entire reading, so as not to show favoritism to these verses in particular.
Further, if we are able to measure the importance of commandments, it would most probably be done on the basis of the punishment for their violation. If so, there are many commandments that would deserve a place here in the Decalogue. So why these 10?
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