If these sound like difficult or impossible questions, then know that you are in good company. None other than our great teacher and leader, Moses, felt equally confused. In this week’s Torah reading, parashat Ki Tissa, Moses says to God:
“See, You say to me, ‘Lead this people forward,’ but You have not made known to
me whom You will send with me. Further, You have said, ‘I have singled you out
by name, and you have, indeed, gained My favor.’ Now, if I have truly gained
Your favor, pray let me know your ways, that I may know You and continue in Your
favor…” (Exodus 33:12-13)
God replies that it is impossible for a human being to comprehend God fully, but that it will be possible for Moses to develop a better understanding of some of the most profound qualities of God. Moses will thus be inspired as he grows into his leadership role.
By this point, Moses has shattered the two stone tablets of the covenant after seeing the Israelites worshipping the golden calf. God summons him back to the top of Mount Sinai to receive a second set of tablets to replace the shattered ones. When Moses returns, the Torah says, “the Lord came down in a cloud; he stood with him there, and [he] proclaimed the name Lord” (Exodus 34.5, italics added). Apparently, Moses and God met at the top of the mountain; and for symbolic purposes, we might imagine that this is the half-way point between God’s domain (the heavens) and Moses’ domain (the earth). Then, the verse continues, “he stood with him there”, but who did the standing with whom? Did God stand with Moses, or did Moses stand with God? Of course, the practical outcome is the same (they stood together), but what is the intent of the verse? And further, who “proclaimed the name Lord” – God or Moses? The traditional commentators are divided: some say the subject is God and others say it is Moses. I believe that the answer lies somewhere in between. Namely, I think the text is intentionally vague, in order to convey that each one is standing with the other, and that they are standing together, unified by their quest for connection with one other. And then, just possibly, they both call out the name of God in unison.
If this is indeed the case, then what we learn is that God seeks closeness with us just as we yearn for a connection with God. In order for that relationship to work – just as in any relationship – both partners must demonstrate their willingness to turn to each other, to desire each other, and to understand each other. So may it be as we search for God’s presence in our lives each and every day.
Shabbat shalom.
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