Vaera - Young Israel of Kendall
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Young Israel of Kendall
Rabbi's Becker's Message - January 20
VAERA YES I CAN When Hashem had charged Moshe to speak to Pharaoh regarding the release of the people of Israel from Egyptian bondage, Moshe responded: “Behold, the Children of Israel have not listened to me, so how will Pharaoh listen to me? And I have sealed lips!”[1] This is repeated further as, “Moshe said before Hashem, ‘Behold I have sealed lips, so how shall Pharaoh heed me?”[2] This was not the first time that Moshe questioned. It is not the first time that Moshe brought up the challenge that he faced regarding his speech. Moshe had said earlier, “I am not a man of words, not since yesterday, nor since the day before yesterday, nor since You first spoke to Your servant, for I am heavy of mouth and heavy of speech.”[3] Hashem responded, “Who makes a mouth for man, or who makes one dumb or deaf, or sighted or blind? Is it not I, Hashem?”[4]” “The wrath of Hashem burned against Moshe.”[5] Aaron was appointed in his stead to be the spokesperson. The recalcitrance of Moshe did more than affect the role of Aaron at that moment. It made an impact for all time. The position of Kohen Gadol, Great Priest, which was going to be delegated to Moshe, was denied him and transferred to Aaron.[6] Considering the severe response that Moshe had received, how could he question Hashem? How could he bring up the issue of his impediment? Why is there no censor to his comments the second time they appeared? There is a great distinction between both situations. Moshe was not criticized when he asked how Pharaoh would listen, if even the Children of Israel did not. He had a question. He asked, “Eich,” how. Previously, when Hashem implored him to take the mantle of leadership, he began, “Lo”, no, “I am not a man of words.”[7] That wasn’t a question. It was a statement that he could not fill the role that Hashem presented to him. When facing a challenge what is our initial response? Is it ‘no,’ ‘how,’ or ‘yes I can’? Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Hershel D. Becker
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