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Religion

The Wilderness within

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“Numbers” may be the name by which the fourth of the Five Books of Moses is commonly called, but in the original Hebrew, it’s known as “Bamidbar” (In the Wilderness). It’s interesting to note that this parshah is almost always read immediately before the festival of Shavuot, “The season of the giving of the Torah.” What’s the connection?

The sages teach that it’s not enough for G-d to give us the Torah; we have to be ready to receive the Torah. What makes us worthy recipients of this most precious and infinite gift from G-d? This is where the “wilderness” idea comes in. A wilderness is a no-man’s land. It’s ownerless and barren. Just as desert is empty and desolate, so does a student of Torah need to know that he must be an “empty vessel” devoid of agendas and preconceptions. The student must also embody humility, which is a vital prerequisite if he is to absorb divine wisdom successfully.

As long as we’re full of ourselves and our preconceived notions, we won’t be able to assimilate and integrate Torah into our being. Even if we are already somewhat accomplished in our Torah studies, we still need to remember – as the Kotzker Rebbe put it – that “as much as you know, you’re still an undeveloped wilderness”.

The Torah can be appreciated only if we surrender ourselves to it, emptying ourselves of our ego and our preconceptions, rather than attempting to adjust it to our own circumstances and lifestyles. And then, like the empty and uninhabited wilderness, the Torah personality may well find himself alone and isolated. We might express our strongly held values and beliefs, only to discover that we stand alone. We might display the courage of our convictions and find ourselves, like Abraham, “on the other side” of the whole world. Our principles may well prove unpopular, especially should they step on toes or upset apple carts. No matter. Being true to G-d and His Torah means standing by it, under any and every circumstance.

May the literal title of our parshah, Bamidbar, and this lessons it conveys, serve as a fitting prelude for the beautiful festival of Shavuot. May we receive the Torah with joy and earnestness so that this important festival will be both memorable and meaningful.

Shabbat shalom and chag sameach.

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