Timeless Torah

Regardless of how limited one’s Jewish education may have been there are a number of Biblical episodes that most literate people are aware of. A painting depicting the Splitting of the Sea would be easily identified. A sculpture of the Ten Commandments is another recognizable artifact. How about Moses at the Burning Bush? Could you correctly guess the scene or would you slap your forehead after you were told the answer and mutter, “I should have gotten it!”

In Jewish history, there is a hardly an object more expounded upon than the Burning Bush. Its symbolism has been analyzed and debated for generations. But rather than discuss the actual bush and its meaning, let’s view the event from a totally different approach, the shepherd’s, in this instance, Moses.

The Torah tells us that Moses was shepherding the flock of Yisro, his father-in-law when, “Moses saw the bush was burning in fire and yet the bush was not consumed. Moses said, ‘I will turn aside and see the marvelous sight.’” Then the narrative pointedly informs us that Moses’ actions did not go unnoticed because, “G-d saw that Moses turned aside to see the sight and He called out to him from amidst the bush and said, ‘Moshe Moshe.’” The conversation that follows ultimately leads to Moses being appointed as leader of the Jews and their subsequent redemption from bondage.

As the Midrash emphasizes, the story seems overstated. Why does the Torah mention that Moses, “turned aside” and that “G-d saw that Moses turned aside?” The Torah, which never uses needless words, could have simply stated, “Moses saw that the bush was burning” and “G-d called out to him.” The Tanchuma (a Midrashic collection) quoting this verse, offers a reason why Moses should merit G-d’s revelation. Since Moses was willing to exert himself and even “turn aside,” he was rewarded.

Although the extra wording regarding Moses’ actions bears out the implication, this is still very difficult to understand. Moses sees a spectacle of miraculous proportions and looks. Why is that such a meritorious act? Doesn’t everyone run to a fire? Aren’t there hoards that gather to witness amazing events? Drive on the I-95 and who doesn’t slow down to gaze at a smoking engine. Can you imagine the traffic jam if there ever was a Burning Bush parked on the side of the road?

Very often we encounter situations that may commit us to change. A new charitable cause, an elderly neighbor that desperately requires care and attention, or a smoking engine with a family stuck on the roadside. What do most of us do? We slow down, we feel bad and then we drive on. Very few of us actually “turn aside.” Sure we feel terrible, we may even dole out a few dollars for the charity, but get involved? Oh no! We’re just too busy. We have appointments, we have a packed schedule, and the justifications go on and on.

Moses our Teacher knew from the moment he spotted that bush that something very extraordinary was occurring. He had two choices: turn aside and all that implies or walk on. Moses knew that if he were asked to intervene and help the Jews, he could not shrug his shoulders. Turning aside meant calling his father-in-law and informing him that he could not care for the sheep tomorrow 3or the day after. Turning aside meant telling his wife and children that he would not be home for supper for many months to come. By turning aside, Moses merited revelation and changed the course of history.

If we walk away, we may not just be ignoring a burning issue. We may be ignoring another burning bush.