- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
Midrash teaches us that Moshe first heard the voice of God, so to speak, at the encounter at the burning bush. There the Lord called out to him in the voice and tone of his father Amram and Moshe therefore was able to hear it without being overwhelmed. Much later in Jewish history, the Lord told the prophet Eliyahu that he could hear His call in the still small voice that reverberates within all of our consciences. Thus God is heard so to speak in the voice of our ancestors, of Jewish tradition and family bonds. Many Jews today are completely unaware of their own family heritage and certainly of the greater heritage of Israel as a whole. And very few of us are strong enough psychologically and spiritually to hearken to our inner voice, still and small as it is. So we wander through life seeking direction and guidance and turn to others to help us find ourselves. First we should look inwards within ourselves for the Godly GPS implanted within us. That is our Mishkan, the place where God’s voice can be heard. Searching for it elsewhere, in the voices of strangers, outside of our Mishkan will be frustrating and fruitless. Since the voice of God no matter how powerful and strong it may be is yet described as being a still, small voice it is obvious that one has to pay attention and strain to hear it. This effort always characterized Moshe’s life, the loyal servant of God, who was always attuned to hear the calling that guided him and through him all of Israel and humankind as well.