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Moshe’s "career" as Bnei Yisrael’s leader began when Hashem instructed him at the burning bush to go to Egypt to tell Paroh to set them free. This episode is introduced with the simple description of Moshe as a shepherd leading his flock in the desert (Shemot 3:1). However, Chazal saw this role as the precursor to his leadership role. The analogy between leading a flock of sheep and leading a flock of humans is well-known. However, we find the analogy in relation to Moshe’s other major role, as the one who received Torah from Hashem and taught it to the nation.
Following is a metaphoric verse from Kohelet (12:11), as translated in the Art Scroll edition: "The words of the wise are like goads, and the nails well driven are the sayings of the masters of collections, coming from one Shepherd." Chazal understand this pasuk in relation to Torah and its study. The end of the pasuk responds to the issue of dealing with disputes among rabbis when one would hope for unanimity. The pasuk assures us that, in the final analysis, all of the opinions stem from the giving of the Torah by one shepherd. "All are ‘coming from one shepherd’- one G-d gave them, one leader said them in the name of the Master of all creations" (Chagiga 3b). Some commentators understand that the shepherd is Hashem, our ultimate leader, who gave the Torah. However, the Midrash Tanchuma (Beha’alotcha 16) relates it to Moshe, bringing the pasuk from our parasha as evidence that Moshe is a known shepherd.
What made Kohelet feel that Moshe’s one-time occupation as a shepherd epitomized his appropriateness to receive the Torah on Bnei Yisrael’s behalf? The Kli Yakar on our pasuk explained that Moshe would take his flock to quiet places where he philosophized and contemplated the Creator. This is an experience that is conducive for emerging prophets. As we recall, the Rambam considers the supreme level of Moshe’s prophecy, which made him appropriate to receive the Torah, as a basic tenet of faith.
However, there are likely other connections between the shepherd and the lawgiver. A shepherd does not produce anything, as a craftsman or a farmer does. Rather, he protects and sustains the flock by enabling them to graze themselves. So too, Moshe the teacher was not supposed to create new ideas but to relay that which Hashem had taught in the purest possible form. That is not a small task. A teacher needs to not only know how to teach the material but he is also responsible to ensure that the recipients in check. He is like a shepherd, who can easily become unfit to testify (see Bava Metzia 5b). If a shepherd allows his sheep to graze in unauthorized fields, he is considered a thief because of their actions.
The Maharsha (on Chagiga 3b) explains that the Kohelet’s shepherd is referring both to Moshe and to Hashem. This indicates that he who learns Hashem’s Torah and teaches it to others is a partner with Hashem in leading and sustaining his and His flock.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
