Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph

This week we begin the Book of Numbers. In the Jewish tradition it is also called “Bamidbar” – “In the Wilderness”. The book begins with God speaking to Moses in the Tabernacle, in the wilderness of Sinai. This opening verse inspired the rabbis to teach that the Torah was given through three elements: fire, water, and the wilderness. (Bamidbar Rabba 1:7)

From where do they derive that it was given through fire? “Mount Sinai was all in smoke, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire” (Exodus 19:18).

From where do they derive that it was given through water? “The heavens dripped, the clouds dripped water” (Judges 5:4).

From where do they derive it was given through wilderness? That is our first verse this week. “The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai” (Numbers 1:1).

Rabbi Shmuel Bornsztain, the second Rebbe of Sochatchov, explains that these elements symbolize the qualities through which a person acquires Torah. “Fire” represents the inner passion and yearning to serve our Creator. “Water” represents emotional discipline, clarity of mind, and the calm curiosity needed to contemplate Torah in the right spirit. “The wilderness” represents the ability to place material pursuits in proper perspective, so that the pursuit of wealth or honor does not obscure what truly matters.

Enthusiasm, discipline and sacrifice are elements in all successful undertakings. Enthusiasm is the energy that fuels our enterprise. It is the labor of the heart.  Discipline is the ability to persist even when the going gets tough. Sacrifice means prioritization — the willingness to give up certain comforts, habits or distractions for a greater purpose.

May we learn to give our best selves to the work that is worthy of us, to set aside what distracts and diminishes us, and to walk steadily toward the purposes that call us.

Shabbat Shalom

Photo by Ann H on Pexels.com