This first Sedra in the second Book of Moses introduces us to the Book of the Exile having just concluded the Book of Creation.
Previously we have discussed how Hashem appeared to our Avos, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We have already seen that Hashem constantly reminded them that they would have His protection.
For Abraham Hashem said “ Fear not Abram, I am a shield for you; your reward is very great. ( Ch. 15: v. 1 )
To Isaac Hashem said “ Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you.”
( Ch. 26: v. 3 )
In the case of Jacob we have already seen that Hashem appeared to him twice and reassured him of His protection. “ Behold , I am with you; and I will guard you wherever you go. ( Ch. 28 v. 15 ). “ I shall descend with you to Egypt, and I shall surely bring you up.” ( Ch. 46 v. 3 ).
We have remarked before that Jacob was the only one of the Avos to receive a message from Hashem in ‘night visions’. In this week’s Sedra we see Moses receiving a message and hearing the voice of Hashem from within a burning bush.
We have seen the ‘hand of Hashem’ on many occasions including the story of Joseph. Now we are to witness it again as the fate of the children of Israel is to be decided.
What takes place now is a fascinating dialogue between Hashem and Moses.
I believe that this dialogue contains important messages for us.
Hashem reminds Moses that “I am the G-d of your father, the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac and the G-d of Jacob.” (Ch. 3 v. 6 ) and again at ( Ch. 3 v. 15 ). Ramban explains that this is the name G-d wishes to be called in all generations as a remembrance of the Covenant with the Avos. When we refer to G-d in this way in our prayers He will answer us. (In Ch.3 v. 12 ) G-d reassures Moses of His constant protection “ Because I will be with you.”
When faced with the enormity of the task that Hashem wants him to undertake; namely to go to Pharoah and bring the people of Israel out of Egypt; Moses presents arguments to show that he is not able to undertake the task.
The first difficulty is that Moses genuinely believes with utmost humility that he is not suited for the mission. In his youth his attitude was different as we see earlier in ( Ch. 2 v. 11) when smiting the Egyptian. Now in his old age at 80 years he thinks only of his unfitness for the enormous undertaking ( See Jeremiah’s reluctance to assume the Prophet’s office ( Jer.1v.6 )
G-d assures Moses as He had previously with the Avos, that “Certainly I will be with you.”
The second difficulty was the name of Hashem. Moses is told that he is to inform the people that a self- existent and eternal G-d will save them in a way they have not yet seen, who will be with them; the same G-d that revealed Himself to their fathers; the Creator of the World.
The third difficulty is that Moses was afraid that he would not be believed and that his message of freedom would be ridiculed. Moses is given three signs in order to convince the people.
After presenting G-d with all his arguments Moses then hesitates and says he has a stammer and is not eloquent enough to go before Pharoah. G-d answers him with a classic verse we all know well. “ MI SOM PEH LO ODOM OH MI YASOOM ILEYM OH CHEYREYSH OH PIKEACH OH EYVER HALOW ONOWCHI HASHEM.” “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes a man dumb, or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I the Lord.”
Having used up all his arguments Moses receives a rebuke from Hashem and is told that his brother Aaron will therefore speak to the children of Israel. The fact that Moses had a stammer would not detract from his approach to Pharoah for when addressing Pharoah his impediment would disappear, proving that his task was a Divine one.
In our lives, from youth to old age we face many hurdles, difficulties and tests.
We are called upon to accept or reject the challenges placed before us. We face occasions when our mental fortitude and moral character are stretched to their limits.
With all these situations we have choices.
We can make excuses and say we are not fit to undertake the task that presents itself.
We can present ourselves as very humble or extremely afraid. There is a saying that when the going gets tough the tough get going. We alone have to make the choice whether to stand up to the plate and accept the challenge or back away and shrink into the shadows.
There are times when events happen in our lives that we momentarily question
G-d’s compassion. We do not know what name to give Him. We are angry and confused and refuse to acknowledge the G-d of compassion and kindness.
Many times during our lives we face a choice about cloaking ourselves in the signs of our religion or whether to abandon them in favour of winning friends and furthering our careers in the outside multi- cultural world we live in.
The truth is in my experience that non Jews respect a Jew who is true and confident
enough to wear the signs of our religion without being afraid to do so.
Finally, having been given the gift of life and speech, there are times when are voices are silent. We do not speak out against oppression nor do we protest about injustice and unfairness in our society. We are dumb and slow of speech to bring individuals to abandon bitterness and embrace peace and loving-kindness. We watch helplessly as individuals destroy themselves with jealousy and hatred.
There is a view that G-d only gives people the challenges and battles in life that He knows they can cope with. We have to summon up that inner strength within us to face the many hurdles and times of adversity that present themselves to us. We are not alone and the promise that Hashem made to our Avos and to Moses that he will be with them and guard them, is true for us today.
HAMELECH YANEYNU V’YOM KAREYNU- The King will listen on the day we call. May we all be blessed to find the inner strength to face our challenges and the voice to call to our Protector for help.
Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat
Shabbat Shalom from me and TTFN
( Part of a regular shiur given at Young Israel of North Netanya Synagogue).
