The Rock

This Shabbat we'll read one of the most enigmatic stories in the Bible. The one where Moses hits the rock instead of speaking to it. He went against G-ds command and as a result, was barred entry into the land of Israel.

The commentators struggle to justify the punishment (seemingly) to the crime. There are over a hundred explanations given! We'll take a look at one that lends insight to this fascinating story. 

The fifth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber Schneeorson explains that the rock represents the Torah. If Moses had spoken to the rock, Torah would be easily accessible to the world. His hitting of the rock represents the accessibility to Torah and G-dliness being concealed in this materialistic world. 

So, this was actually a good thing? Had Moses spoken to the rock then, like all things easy, we'd lose appreciation of the precious gift of Torah. Because it became concealed, we are forced to toil and work at the soul's potential and connection to G-d. 

Moses knew this and took one for the team. It was a needed step towards redemption.

Life is not handed to us on a silver platter. Becoming a better person is not just spoken into our ears. It is our job to put in the effort to make that a reality. Something earned means more to us than what is given. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Baruch Hecht

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