At the end of the Torah, we read some final words about Moses. Most notably, we read, “Never again did there arise a prophet like Moses, who knew God, face to face.” And, later, in rabbinic literature, he was known as Moshe Rabeinu, Moses our Teacher, a noble title. But, greater than his achievements which we celebrate at the end of his life, are the qualities that were always true about him since his birth.
Throughout his life, Moses was kind, merciful, and passionate. He struck down an Egyptian taskmaster who beat a Hebrew slave without mercy. He also stood up to hoodlums when the daughters of the Midianite chieftain, Jethro, came to water their animals. Often, his kindness was expressed in acts of justice that earned him the esteem of those who were touched by his deeds. What’s more, he was humble about what others believed about his natural qualities. He knew that he was a mere human of real limitations. He knew it everyday when he opened his mouth and he stuttered through his words. When God sent him to Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage, Moses implored God to send someone who could articulate God’s command clearly. Aaron was appointed to accompany Moses and make the declaration.
As we consider our deeds, we shouldn’t measure ourselves against Moses and his deeds. But, like Moses, we would do well to measure our life not on where we are or what we have, but rather on who we are. It’s always been an important distinction in Judaism, to be sure that we’re focused on the right goals. As I often say to Bar and Bat Mitzvah students, there’s nothing wrong with being successful in your future. What matters is how you become successful in your future. Getting there is part of our human endeavor; being true to ourselves and to the purpose of our creation is our human responsibility.
None of us knows what tomorrow will be. All we can know is what we are ready to bring with us into tomorrow. My hope is that you will bring whatever is in your nature, whatever it is that God has gifted you. If it’s a tendency to be mean, look harder within yourself to find a nobler gift. There’s enough cruelty in the world. If it’s a tendency to be positive and good, don’t horde it. Share it. And, don’t wait for some finish line to tell you when you’ve done well; the finish line is at the end of each day. The finish line is at night when you lie down and appraise your deeds for goodness and justice. If you find something amiss, then make it right in the morning. If all’s well, then say, “God is with me; I have nothing to fear.” Then close your eyes and rest. You’ve earned it. Like time for Jewish learning, we cannot wait until there is free-time. Learning, giving, and acts of kindness have no date on the calendar; they are here and now.
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
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