It’s a question the Torah touches upon in subtle, yet profound ways. We find a beautiful example in the book of Bamidbar, Numbers, chapter 27, verse 15. "And Moses spoke to the L-rd to say, etc."
Now, on the surface, it seems simple. But the Sifrei Bamidbar, a collection of ancient rabbinic commentaries on the Book of Numbers, asks a crucial question: why the extra words "to say"? What's the significance? It suggests this seemingly redundant phrase reveals something truly remarkable about Moses.
The Sifrei Bamidbar tells us that this phrase highlights the virtues of the righteous. Even as they near death, they set aside their own concerns and dedicate themselves to the needs of the community. Facing his own mortality, Moses isn't focused on himself. His heart is still with the people he's led for so long.
But there's more. The commentary delves deeper into the meaning of "to say." Moses, knowing his time is short, is essentially asking God a vital question: "Tell me, are you going to appoint leaders for them, or not?" He needs to know the future of his people is secure. And God answers him directly: "Take for yourself Joshua the son of Nun, a man who has spirit in him, and place your hand upon him" (Numbers 27:18).
Rabbi Eliezer ben Azaryah points out that this isn't an isolated incident. There are four times in the Torah where Moses uses this phrase, "to say," each time seeking clarity from God about the future of the Israelites.
Think back to Exodus 6:12: "And Moses spoke before the L-rd, to say: The children of Israel did not hearken to me. How, then, will Pharaoh do so? And I am impeded of speech." Again, what's the "to say" about? Moses is pleading: "Tell me whether or not you will redeem them." And God responds, promising to take them out of Egypt (Exodus 7:4).
Then there's the story of Miriam’s illness in Numbers 12:13: "And Moses cried out to the L-rd to say 'G-d, I pray You; heal her, I pray you.'" He's asking, "Tell me, I pray You, whether or not You will heal her." And God provides an answer, a path to her healing (Numbers 12:14).
And of course, there’s Moses' desperate plea to enter the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 3:23: "And I supplicated the L-rd at that time to say." He's begging, "Tell me whether or not I will enter the land." But this time, the answer is different, a firm "It is enough for you" (Deuteronomy 3:26).
Each instance reveals Moses' unwavering dedication and his constant communication with the Divine. He's not just a leader; he's an advocate, a shepherd, always seeking guidance for his flock.
So, what can we take away from this? Perhaps it's a reminder that true leadership isn't about power or personal gain, but about selfless service and a deep concern for the well-being of others. Even in our own lives, facing our own challenges, can we emulate Moses' example? Can we set aside our own worries and focus on the needs of those around us? It's a powerful question to ponder, isn't it?