Torah Given In the Wilderness?

The wilderness - an unlikely place to meet God?

- a reminder that there is no condition, no circumstance, not travail in which people cannot hear the voice of God if they are determined to hear it. (Morris Adler)

- Torah is open a accessible to all humanity (Numbers Rabbah 1:7)

- "Let everyone who is thirsty come for water (Torah) (Isaiah 55:1)

- Torah given in the wilderness because no one tribe would have preferred claim.(Numbers Rabbah 19:26)

-"if human beings do not conquer the desert, it may eventually conquer them" (Pinchas Pell)

- The wilderness - an open place: "we must be open like the wilderness in order to learn Torah" (Talmud Nedarim 55b)

These points of discussion range from the logical to the esoteric.

The connection of Torah to this place where these former slaves were wandering and making their new life is a powerful message about overcoming difficulties and finding solutions in Torah.

Going from the difficult life of slavery and the harsh environment of Egypt to more and different difficulties of forming a community in the environment of the Sinai where there are dramatic mountains is a contrast to give the people a sense of awe and the presence of God. This was when they needed faith and direction from God and it was given.

We need to remember that difficulties should become challenges to overcome and Torah can help. So when we are faced with the wilderness in our lives we can turn to Torah to find direction.


notes and thoughts from Torah Study 6/4/05 with Rabbi Richard Block.