It’s a question that's been asked for centuries. And Shemot Rabbah, a treasure trove of rabbinic commentary on the Book of Exodus, gives us a glimpse into a fascinating answer.
The text begins with the verse, “These are the ordinances,” linking it to a broader idea: “He declares His words to Jacob” (Psalms 147:19). It’s not just about laws, but about a deeper revelation, a unique connection. This sets the stage for a remarkable story.
Let me tell you about Aquila. He wasn't Jewish, but he was considering converting. Now, he goes to the emperor Hadrian, a man not exactly known for his love of the Jewish people, and tells him of his intentions. Can you imagine the emperor's reaction?
Hadrian, incredulous, basically says, "Seriously? Those people? I've crushed them, humiliated them! Why would you ever want to join such a lowly nation? What do you even see in them?"
Aquila’s response is amazing. He says, "The least among them knows how the Holy One, blessed be He, created the world. They know what was created on the first day, and what on the second. They know how long it's been since creation, and what the world stands upon. And, their Torah (teaching, law) is truth.” He saw something profound in the Jewish people's understanding of the cosmos, their rootedness in a narrative stretching back to the very beginning.
Hadrian, intrigued but still skeptical, offers a compromise. "Go study their Torah," he says, "but don't circumcise yourself." Ouch.
But Aquila's reply cuts to the heart of the matter. He explains that even the wisest man in the kingdom, even a hundred-year-old elder, couldn't truly understand the Torah without being circumcised – without fully embracing the covenant. As it says in Psalms 147:19-20, "He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and ordinances to Israel. He did not do so with any other nation." The knowledge, the wisdom, it's intrinsically linked to the lived experience of being part of the Jewish people.
It’s a powerful statement about the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people. It's not just about intellectual understanding, but about a covenant, a commitment that shapes identity and unlocks deeper truths.
What's so striking about this story from Shemot Rabbah is that it highlights something that's often overlooked. It's not just the laws, the rituals, or the history that make Judaism compelling. It's the profound sense of connection to something ancient and enduring, a shared narrative that offers meaning and purpose. It's a connection so deep, so intertwined with identity, that even an emperor couldn't grasp it. And that, perhaps, is the secret to its enduring power.