Ten Days. Ten Commandments. Ten Times the You
The 10X Challenge is a ten-day journey of personal growth inspired by the timeless values of the Ten Commandments—made modern, practical, and real
(Day 1 (May 23
:DO NOT COVET
10X More Joyful
Inspiration: When Rabbi Zusha was on his deathbed, his students found him in uncontrollable tears. They tried to comfort him by telling him that he was almost as wise as Moses and as kind as Abraham, so he was sure to be judged positively in Heaven. Zusha replied, “When I get to heaven, I will not be asked, ‘Why weren’t you like Moses?’ or ‘Why weren’t you like Abraham?’ They will ask, ‘Why weren’t you like Zusha?’ And then what will I say?” Set your intention for today to recognize and express your unique qualities
Challenge: Do one thing today that exemplifies you and your unique attributes
?Journal: Are you being the person you feel you are meant to be? If yes, what are your strengths and contributions? If not, what would you change
(Day 2 (May 24
:DO NOT BE A FALSE WITNESS
10X More Truthful
Inspiration: Human speech allows us amongst other things, to collaborate, advocate, give comfort, but also to cause pain. The Talmud says that the tongue can kill three – the speaker, the listener, and the one spoken about. Today, set your intention to be mindful about how you use the incredible power of speech
Challenge: Make a positive difference to someone else today by using your power of speech
Journal: Give an example of how your words made a difference today. How did it feel for you to use your power of speech to make a difference
(Day 3 (May 25
:DO NOT STEAL
10X More Honest
Inspiration: According to our tradition using things that don’t belong to us without permission, including someone’s ideas, is theft. Set your intention to be honest about what you rightfully own and can use
Challenge:.Today, try to answer questions you’re asked on your own in your head before anyone else answers
?Journal: What is a time you stuck with your own, original idea, even if it was different from everyone else’s
(Day 4 (May 26
:DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY
10X More Loyal
Inspiration: Keeping promises takes work especially when other opportunities present themselves. Sometimes, it takes a lot of effort to do this; but in these situations it is especially meaningful. Set your intention for today to follow through on things you have said you would do
Challenge: Work on a promise you have made in the past, or if you have no uncompleted promises, make a new one and keep it
?Journal: What is your promise? How are you closer to your goal of keeping it
(Day 5 (May 27
:DO NOT MURDER
10X More Nurturing
Inspiration: Life is not only physical emotional wellbeing is just as important – it is connected to the heart. The Talmud teaches that embarrassing someone is similar to murder. Today, focus on how you’re making other people feel
Challenge: Reach out to someone you know who is down, especially if it is because they have been ashamed or embarrassed. Let them know you care about them. You can also reach out to a friend whom you might have embarrassed — whether intentionally or not — and try to make it right
Journal: Who did you reach out to today? Did you stand up for someone who was embarrassed? You can also journal about shaming, why it happens, and how it can be avoided
(Day 6 (May 28
:HONOR YOUR PARENTS
10X More Grateful
Inspiration: Honoring parents teaches us to be grateful to all the people, including our parents and others, who have helped us along the way. Today’s intention is to be grateful to those people
Challenge: Think about someone who has helped you on your life path to whom you are grateful. If possible, reach out to thank them. If you can no longer contact them, do something in their honor
Journal: Journal about the people to whom you are grateful and how they helped you
(Day 7 (May 29
:KEEP SHABBAT
10X More Connected
Inspiration: Once a week, we take a break to rejuvenate, and connect with each other and our higher purpose. Set your intention for this Shabbat to appreciate life and connect to others
Challenge: Depending on your regular Shabbat observance, make a special effort this Shabbat to unplug from your electronics. For example, if you don’t usually turn off your phone, turn it off for as long as possible.
Journal: If it was something you don’t normally do, how did it feel to eliminate the distraction of your cell phone? What did you find happening in its place? Were you ?able to connect with others in a different way? How do you describe the quality of unplugged time
(Day 8 (May 30
:DO NOT TAKE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN
10X More Purposeful
Inspiration: Living with a higher purpose means positively impacting the world around you. Set your intention for today to be a force for good through tikkun olam
Challenge: As you go through your day today, keep your eyes open for an opportunity to do something that helps the world around you. Bonus! Share with your family/friends or on social media
?Journal:What action did you take? How did it make you feel
(Day 9 (May 31
:NO OTHER GODS
10X More Fulfilled
Inspiration: Idolatry means giving false power to people, things, or ideas. For example, “worshipping“ popularity, money, or other things that we might think will make us feel fulfilled or happy. Set your intention for today to call out false gods
Challenge: Identify modern-day idolatry: something that is “worshipped” because people believe it’s all they need in order to be fulfilled
?Journal: What did you identify as “false gods”? How would you put them in perspective
(Day 10 (June 1
:I AM THE LORD
10X More In Touch
Inspiration: The first step on the spiritual path is recognizing the things we can’t control. Our tradition teaches, “Everything is in the hands of heaven, except for the awareness of heaven.” Set your intention today to be in touch with what you control and what you don’t
Challenge: Find an opportunity today to surrender control when feeling anxious or frustrated. Say a prayer, for example Modeh Ani (said when you wake up) or Modim (in the Amidah) that includes your trust in a higher power and acceptance of the things you cannot change
Journal: Did today’s challenge help you find? a way to surrender control and trust God more? What are some things you can or should control What is the balance between surrendering control and depending on yourself