Torah For Our Times: B’Ha-alot’cha – The 70 Faces of Torah

 It goes without saying, the last several months have presented a direct challenge to the rule of law, the strength of the Constitution, and the fragility of Democracy.  Thousands of years ago, in the Sinai wilderness, the newly formed Jewish people faced a similar dilemma!

 The journey from Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land had only just begun when the Israelites besieged Moses with one complaint after another.  Finally, when they complained about their diet, Moses had enough.  Turning to God for help, Moses cried out, “I cannot carry all this people by myself, for it is too much for me! (Num. 11:14).”  Even with the earlier establishment of a crude system of courts, Moses-with the guidance of God-still maintained an autocratic hold on the people.  In this moment, he finally understands he cannot succeed without involving the Israelites, themselves, in positions of leadership.  

God tells Moses, “Gather for me seventy of Israel’s elders of whom you have experience with them as elders and officers of the people. . . and let them take their place with you. . . they shall share the burden of the people with you, and you shall not bear it alone. (Num. 11:16-17).”  Rabbi Artson notes, “By providing this leadership. . . . God assures that every possible view will be articulated and considered.”

In a startling world-wide push toward autocracy and dictatorship-led by Russia and China with a supporting cast the likes of Iran and Saudi Arabia, Americans are coming to appreciate the resilience  of our Constitution and the courage exhibited in our judicial system.  Our rule of law continues to celebrate the diversity of opinion; the right to disagree with one another, but do so with a common bond of respect. 

Judaism, since the time of Moses, has been a celebration of diversity and a repudiation of its denial.

Rabbi Howard Siegel