Parshas Ki Sisa
Higher than Sinai
Volume 5 Issue 22
by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky
In the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe’s mortality is
transformed to immortality as -- anthropomorphic as it may sound -- he gets
G-d to change his mind.
Hashem, who had threatened to destroy Klall Yisrael after the sin of the
Golden Calf, finally assures Moshe that His presence will accompany them on
their sojourn. But Moshe, it seems, is still not satisfied. In what
appears as a daring move, he asks Hashem for more. Not only does he want
assurance of the accompaniment of the Divine presence, Moshe now asks
Hashem to "show me Your face" (Exodus 33:18). It is not enough that Hashem
forgives the Jews for the most audacious sin of their young history. It is
not enough that he assures them that he will guide them in the desert.
Moshe wants more! He asks for a mortal existence despite an immortal act.
He wants to connect to the corporeal with the Omnipotent in a way never
done before. He wants to feast his soul on the most spiritual meal
ingested through human vision. He wants to see G-d.
Hashem explains that it is impossible to see Him and live. The human soul
cannot be confined to a spatiotemporal existence after it has experienced
the endless world of infinite spirituality. And thus the answer is, "No.
You may however, see my back" (cf. Exodus 33:20-23). Of course the world of
G-d's face as opposed to his back fill tomes of commentators from those who
analyze textual reference to the great kabbalists, and it certainly has no
place in a fax of internet sheet. What does interest me is Moshe's
persistence. Why was he dissatisfied with G-d's first acquiescence? What
propelled him, after almost losing Klall yisrael to ask for the greatest
show of G-d's bond to His creation's?
Lou Maidenbaum, former President of Met Foods, help establish the Gedaliah
Maidenbaum Preparatory School Division of Yeshiva of South Shore. Before
passing away last month, he was confined to a hospital in Miami Beach.
But in his sick bed he never lost his spunk, charm or the will to live life
to its fullest.
A week before he passed away, he was in his hospital room and was
experiencing some discomfort. He pressed the button for a nurse, but no
one came. Five minutes later he rang again. Still no response. He tried
two more times and then decided a new tactic.
He picked up the telephone and dialed 3 digits. 9-1-1. "Emergency
services, came the woman’s voice, "what is the problem?" "I’m having
difficulty breathing" gasped Lou. "Where are you calling from?" "Mount
Sinai Hospital, Room 321," came the response. "Mount Sinai Hospital?"
Repeated the incredulous dispatcher, "what are you calling us for? You are
in the Hospital already!" Lady," he shouted to the operator. "This is my
life we are talking about. And If this is the way I’ll get the best
response, then I’m calling 911!
Moshe knew that he was -- on Sinai -- with G-d -- receiving the Torah.
However, that was not enough. He was not complacent about his
accomplishment. He was not content with being the transmitter of eternity.
He wanted more! He wanted to attain the highest possible level of mortal
achievement. He wanted to see G-d. He wanted to spiritually feast on the
face of the Omnipotent. Moshe was only concerned, to attain the greatest
degree of spirituality that he possibly could reach. There was nothing else
on his mind or in his soul. Hashem responded that if that level is
attained, the soul will flee from its mortal constraints and refuse to
re-enter a corporal being. "No man shall see Me and live" (Exodus 22:20).
So Moshe had to concede with the highest level the physical body could
endure. But in Moshe's quest to go higher than Sinai he taught us a great
lesson. No matter what level you think you are on, if you are standing on
earth, you must reach for the mountain and when you are standing on the
mountain you must reach for the clouds. And even if you are standing on a
cloud you must reach for the stars.
Good Shabbos
Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky
In honor of the marriage of Mordechai Merenstein to Leah Dukler. May they
be zocheh to build a bayis ne'eman b'Yisrael!
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