It was a day that would go down in history. The Jewish people were all gathered at Mt. Sinai. Millions of people -- men, women and children -- all stood together at the foot of the mountain. Huge claps of thunder and bolts of lightning made the very earth shake. The mountain seemed like it was on fire. The people were scared but happy. It was the day they had been waiting for. That day God was going to give them the Torah!

Suddenly the world went silent, not even a bird made a peep. Then, a voice was heard more powerful than anybody had ever heard before. God started to speak. God told Moses and the Jewish people the special laws of the Torah. These included the Ten Commandments, and have been a guide to us ever since.

One of the Ten Commandments is to honor one's parents. In our story a girl is put to the test.

MOM'S THE WORD

Cindy had a problem.

First came a great surprise -- three of her best friends came by with tickets to the new ice-show in town, and one of the tickets was for her.

"C'mon Cindy," said Shira. "Let's catch the bus, the show's starting in 20 minutes."

But then came the dilemma.

"Sounds great, guys ... but..." Cindy hesitated with a nervous smile.

"But what?" asked her friend.

"But my Mom's not home, and she doesn't like me to go out without telling her first," answered Cindy.

Her friends tried to convince Cindy to come anyway. "Oh Cindy," groaned Rachel. "Your Mom won't mind. You're a big girl. Just leave her a note and let's go!"

Cindy thought about it. "I know my Mom would understand, but still she really doesn't let me go out without telling her where I'm going first."

Cindy looked up at her friends who were sitting impatiently and said, "Well guys, I'm afraid you'll have to go without me. I'd love to see the ice-show, but my Mom's feelings come first. I need to listen to my mother."

Ages 3-5

Q. Why didn't Cindy go out with her friends?
A. Since her mother doesn't let her go out without asking first, she knew it was right to listen to her mother.

Q. What should children do when their parents ask them to do something they don't feel like doing?
A. They should listen to their parents and show them respect and honor.

Q. How do you think Cindy felt when she stayed home?
A. A little disappointed she missed the show, but also confident that her mother would be proud of her decision.

Age 6-9

Q. Why should a person honor his parents?
A. Because our parents do so much for us. We even owe them our lives since they brought us into the world. When we honor them it shows them we appreciate them.

Q. What are some other ways to show respect and gratitude toward our parents?
A. We can listen to them when they ask us to help out around the house. We can speak politely to them. We can be careful not to disturb them if they're resting, etc.

Age 10 and Up

Q. What do you think makes someone worthy of our honor and respect?

Q. When our parents' desires clash with our own, how do you think we should decide which to follow?