Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
How do we get our message across? In this week's Torah portion, the nation of Israel receives the Ten Commandments.
Regarding the Revelation at Mount Sinai, King David says in the book of Psalms: "The voice of the Lord is in strength." The Midrash elaborates on these words as follows: "according to the strength of each and every person." Young men according to their strength, old people according to their strength, children according to their strength.
In other words, the message of the Torah is uniform and eternal and holy. But it was delivered in a manner suitable to each person's age and ability to understand.
Sometimes a great truth may burn inside me. But before I articulate it to someone, it's worthwhile remembering that it's not just about me. Instead of thinking only about what I want to say, it is vital to consider the person opposite me -- what will be understood and thus enter the heart.
Communicating "according to the strength of each and every person" is the most refined and effective way of getting our message across.
