Know God?

Knowing God - An Intention for Parshat Yitro

When Torah was revealed to us at Mount Sinai, after the quaking and overwhelming sound and light show, the first thing we hear God say to us as a people is,  “Anochi YHVH Elohecha.”  “I am Adonai your God.”

God continues speaking all of the Ten Commandments. Most early Torah  commentators think of this initial statement “I am Adonai your God” as a Commandment.  Yet, some wonder how can you command a fact? They don't include this statement in their list of the 613 mitzvot. 

Rambam, Moses Maimonides, did understand it as a commandment,  though he shared 2 different interpretations in two different sources: In one book he taught the commandment “I am Adonai your God” is to believe in God.  Yet in another book he taught the commandment is to know God.  This is interesting! Belief is something that we do with our mind, while  knowing involves our mind, heart and also our physical being. (I'm reminded of the term “I just know it in my gut” or “I  knew it in my kishkas.”) The verb “to know” in Hebrew has connotations of a sense of closeness, intimacy.  How can we invite experiences of closeness to further know the Source of Blessing with our entire being?

Questions for reflection: 

How do you understand the statement  “I am Adonai your God" Is it a commandment?

A fact? Neither? Both? 

How can we invite experiences of closeness to know the Source of Blessing within our entire being?