Moshe Beyond the Firmament

Midrash Aggadah Pesikta DeRav Kahana 2:7 View source
Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team ·

Sometimes, the connection isn’t immediately obvious. Take, for instance, the verses about atonement and taking a census in the book of Exodus. What’s the link?

The Pesikta DeRav Kahana, a collection of rabbinic teachings, dives into this very question. It starts by noticing the phrase "ki tissa" (כי תשא), meaning "when you raise" or "when you take." This phrase appears in both the context of the census and in (Deuteronomy 24:10), which speaks about making a loan.

So, what’s the connection? According to the Pesikta, Moshe (Moses) pleads with God. He says, in essence: “Master of the Universe, when Israel has merit, forgive them. And when they don’t, treat it as a loan! Give them a chance, once a year, so Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) will come and atone for them." This ties into the verse in (Leviticus 16:30): "for on this day atonement shall be made for you."

But what about "raise the head," which is also part of the census verse? Rabbi Yosi, son of Rabbi Chanina, offers a beautiful interpretation: it's a hint that the tribe of Reuven would be the first to bring a sacrifice. Remember the blessing in (Deuteronomy 33:6), "May Reuven live, and not die..."?

Now, the text delves deeper into the census itself. Why command a census of the children of Israel specifically? Rabbi Yudan, citing Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani, uses a series of compelling parables to explain this. It's like a king who has many garments but is particularly careful about one set of undergarments. He instructs his servant: "Lay these out. Fold them. Take care of them." The servant asks why these ones in particular, and the king replies, "Because these ones stick to my flesh."

This is how God feels about Israel, says Rabbi Yudan. Moses asks, "Merciful One, of the 70 nations in Your world, why are you only commanding me regarding Israel?" We see this constant refrain: "say further to the Israelite people," "speak to the Israelite people," "command the Israelite people," culminating in "When you take a census of the Israelite people." God responds, "Because they are cleaving to me." (Jeremiah 13:11) echoes this sentiment: "For as the loincloth clings close to the loins of a man, so I brought close to Me the whole House of Israel... that they might be My people."

Rabbi Avin offers another image: a king with crimson robes, particularly treasured because he wore them when he first became sovereign. And Rabbi Berachia adds yet another: an elder cherishing a traveling cloak worn when first becoming an elder.

In each case, the question remains the same: Why single out Israel? And the answer rings clear: These are the ones who crowned Me first! These are the ones who said, "God will reign forever" (Exodus 15:18) as they crossed the sea. These are the ones who took upon themselves the yoke of Heaven at Sinai, declaring, "All that the Living Presence said we will do and we will hear" (Exodus 24:7).

Rabbi Yudan emphasizes God's immense love for Israel, noting how often they are mentioned in a single verse (Numbers 8:19), which speaks of assigning the Levites to Aaron and his sons to serve and make expiation for the Israelites. Shimeon Bar Yochai compares it to a king instructing a teacher to care for his child, constantly reminding him to feed, water, and watch over him.

Finally, Rabbi Yudah ben Rabbi Simon shares one last parable: someone crafting a diadem for the king. When asked what he’s doing, he replies, "A diadem for the king!" The observer urges him to use the finest materials and spare no effort, "since the future of this diadem will actually be to be used by the king."

So, too, God tells Moses: say all the praise you can about Israel, for in the future, "I will be glorified in them," as it says in (Isaiah 49:3): "You are My servant, Israel in whom I glory.”

What do all these parables tell us? They paint a picture of a deep, abiding connection between God and the people of Israel. It's a bond forged in shared experiences, mutual commitment, and unwavering love. It’s a relationship that demands care, attention, and constant reaffirmation. And perhaps, it's a relationship that serves as a model for all our relationships – a reminder to cherish those closest to us and to recognize the divine spark within them.

Themes

Heaven Moses Temple Prophecy Prayer Repentance Miracles Holy Land Sinai

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