Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph

Our Torah reading juxtaposes two men who are of very different character. When Moses approaches Pharoah to let the Israelites go, Pharoah responds, “Who is this God that I should heed him and let Israel go. I do not know the God of Israel, nor will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2) Thus Pharoah asserts that no power is superior to his. Pharoah boasts, “The Nile River is Mine – I made it”. (Ezekiel 28:3). Pharoah is the very model of arrogance and conceit.

In contrast, Moses feels unworthy of the task assigned to him. He doubts his power to persuade the Israelites that liberation is at hand. “What if the people do not believe me or listen to me? ….. I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:1, 10) He does not believe he is a compelling enough figure to lead the Israelites to freedom. Scriptures tells us, “Now the man, Moses, was very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3).

It is one thing to be humble when you are a shepherd and success is measured in keeping wolves at bay. It is another thing to remain humble after you have achieved spectacular success. Moses not only leads his people out of Egypt, through the wilderness and to the border of the Promised Land. At the conclusion of his life this man, “slow of speech and slow of tongue”, becomes a skilled orator whose discourses comprise most of the Book of Deuteronomy.

How did Moses do it? How did this man who attained such great knowledge and wisdom, who rose to the heights of influence and power, maintain his humility to the very end?

In the 11^th century, Bachya ben Joseph ibn Pequda, known familiarly as Rabeinu Bachya, wrote a treatise called “Duties of the Heart” in which he systematically outlined the ethical teaching of Judaism. In one chapter he gives us ten ways in which we can cultivate humility in our lives. What follows is a very, very brief description of these ten principles. Perhaps this is how Moses remained humble despite his greatness.

1. Contemplate the infinite greatness of our Creator and your ultimate place in the universe.
2. Study Torah to achieve wisdom
3. Be patient with those with whom you disagree
4. Do good, speak well of others, refrain from speaking of their faults and shortcomings.
5. Don’t pretend to have virtues you don’t possess.
6. Your own good deeds, service, and efforts should be little in your own eyes.
7. Be aware of your shortcomings and try to improve yourself.
8. Be grateful for what you have. Live modestly
9. Love justice and hate oppression.
10. Keep the company of others who cultivate humility

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