Over and over again in this week's parsha, the Torah tells us that the travels of the Jewish people in the desert happened "על פי ה" - al pi HaShem - according to the instructions of God.  On three separate occasions, in the span of only six pesukim,we are told that,  "according to Hashem they traveled and according to Hashem they camped."

It is striking then, that at the end of the description of the travel protocols (Bamidbar 9:23), and in the description of the Jewish people putting those protocols into action (Bamdibar 10:23), the Torah adds another phrase "על פי ה, ביד משה" - al pi HaShem b"yad Moshe -" according to God, through the hands of Moshe." On the one hand, this additional descriptive clause can be understood as modifying the acts of traveling and camping; they were done by God's command but practically carried out by His servant, the leader on the ground, Moshe.  There is another way to understand it though - "through the hands of Moshe" modifies the act of God's command, not the act of the people camping.  Therefore, it is פי ה״ - according to God - that comes to us ביד משה - through the hands of Moshe - the instructions of God are rendered comprehensible, relatable, and inspirational through the hands of our greatest teacher, Moshe Rabbeinu.  

 

The Ramban in Sefer Shemot (Shemot 32:1) cites this phrase in our parsha as evidence that when the Jewish people panicked and created a Golden Calf, their intent was to replace Moshe, not Hashem. Their belief in God, says the Ramban, never wavered. Their need for a teacher, though, for a human guide to steer them through life's ups and downs, and to help them carve out lives of holiness and compassion in a world filled with turbulence and distraction, was overwhelming.

As another year of remarkable growth draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for our teachers.  From Kindergarten to 12th grade, we are immensely fortunate to have teachers who help our children understand the complexities of God's Word and of God's world, role models who demonstrate how to live and how to behave, guides who facilitate the discovery of who our children are and all that they can become. 

There is no more noble profession than teaching, and there are few schools more blessed with noble teachers than ours.    

I wish them, and all of you, a restful, rejuvenating, enjoyable and uplifting summer and I look forward to seeing you all back here in the Fall.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Perl