Dear Friends,
We need to know who is with us in our journeys in life. Whether it is familial support, political arrangements, or even who is walking the dog, knowing who is along with us is vital.
So stated Moses in the special Torah reading for this weekend of the Shabbat of Sukkot: “Moses said to the Eternal, ‘See, you say to me, ‘Lead this people forward, but You have not made known to me whom you will send with me.’’” (Exodus 33:12)
It was more than mere companionship – though companionship is a vital need, and on the pyramid of our basic needs. Yet, more than companionship, Moses is asking the question, “On whom will I rely?” “Who is there for me?”
Of course, the big answer to Moses’ question was that God would be there for and with Moses in the remaining 40 years of his trek in the desert, and Joshua, his successor, would be at his side.
For us, similar questions follow us through life. When we are children, we are told that “Mommy and Daddy will always be here.” And, of course, we know that that likely will not be so. Later, we seek friends, lifetime partners, business partners, and those who share common values and principles. Ever since our expulsion from the Garden, since our “having to go it on our own,” we have been seeking the ones who will go along with us.
Why? Because life is inherently vulnerable and unstable. The once normal image of the rough individualist – as the American icon – has surrendered to an awareness that even Teddy Roosevelt urged us to carry a big stick. In other words, have others on whom one can rely when one is amid life’ thickets.
Thus, Moses’ question. He was very willing to heed God’s command to “Lead this people forward,” but not to do so alone. With the proper companion or partner, Moses could advance. Otherwise, he knew that he could not do so.
In our lives, as circumstances and conditions evolve, we ask the same question: “Who is with me?” And, we learn. As well, we discover whom we are with, as well.
May such be our journey and our search, on this Shabbat of Sukkot.
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sameach,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
We need to know who is with us in our journeys in life. Whether it is familial support, political arrangements, or even who is walking the dog, knowing who is along with us is vital.
So stated Moses in the special Torah reading for this weekend of the Shabbat of Sukkot: “Moses said to the Eternal, ‘See, you say to me, ‘Lead this people forward, but You have not made known to me whom you will send with me.’’” (Exodus 33:12)
It was more than mere companionship – though companionship is a vital need, and on the pyramid of our basic needs. Yet, more than companionship, Moses is asking the question, “On whom will I rely?” “Who is there for me?”
Of course, the big answer to Moses’ question was that God would be there for and with Moses in the remaining 40 years of his trek in the desert, and Joshua, his successor, would be at his side.
For us, similar questions follow us through life. When we are children, we are told that “Mommy and Daddy will always be here.” And, of course, we know that that likely will not be so. Later, we seek friends, lifetime partners, business partners, and those who share common values and principles. Ever since our expulsion from the Garden, since our “having to go it on our own,” we have been seeking the ones who will go along with us.
Why? Because life is inherently vulnerable and unstable. The once normal image of the rough individualist – as the American icon – has surrendered to an awareness that even Teddy Roosevelt urged us to carry a big stick. In other words, have others on whom one can rely when one is amid life’ thickets.
Thus, Moses’ question. He was very willing to heed God’s command to “Lead this people forward,” but not to do so alone. With the proper companion or partner, Moses could advance. Otherwise, he knew that he could not do so.
In our lives, as circumstances and conditions evolve, we ask the same question: “Who is with me?” And, we learn. As well, we discover whom we are with, as well.
May such be our journey and our search, on this Shabbat of Sukkot.
Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sameach,
Rabbi Douglas Kohn
