Moses + One = ?

On one hand, people shy away from challenge. There is a danger of failure. Were it not - it would not be a challenge - and no one likes to fail. On the other hand, we seek challenge, for confronting new opportunities lifts us out of the doldrums of ordinary existence.
In this week’s Biblical reading, the first in the Book of Exodus, G-d commissions Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Jewish people out of bondage. After repeated attempts to enlist the faithful shepherd, Moses replies, “Send, I pray You, by the hand of whom You will send.” If this sounds like acquiescence, the Midrash interprets this verse in the following manner. “Master of the Universe,” Moses pleads, “Send the Messiah who will be the future redeemer.”
Was Moses afraid of the job and overwhelming responsibility? Was he trying to pass the buck? The Lubavitcher Rebbe offers us an amazing insight into the mind and heart of Judaism’s first leader. He was only concerned with what would prove most beneficial to the Israelites. He felt that under his charge the Jews would only achieve temporary gains, while if the Messiah undertook the task, eternal redemption would follow.
In Kabbalistic doctrine, a device called gematria, numerical equivalent, is often used to underscore a deeper connection between two persons or objects than readily meets the eye. Let us explore this methodology in our instance and see where it leads us.
The letters that comprise the name Moses in Hebrew, Moshe, add up to 345. The name Messiah or Moshiach equals 358. What’s missing is 13 which can be produced by adding the word “Echad” as in the phrase Shma Yisroel Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad. “Echad” not only equals 13, it also literally translates as “one”. Mathematically, all of the above can be expressed as: Moshiach = Moshe + One.
Why does the Shma say, ‘the L-rd is One’ rather than ‘the L-rd is unique’? Doesn’t the concept of one allow for the possibility of two, while the idea of unique rules out even the assumption of another?
The explanation is this: the true greatness of G-d is not perceived by denying the existence of anything besides Him; but rather by understanding that the physical is not its own entity, it is in truth one with (united with) G-d.
Moses felt that he could accomplish the formation of a chosen nation. One that is unique and without peer. That however is not the ultimate goal. Still missing is the oneness, the realization that we are forever and inextricably bound with Hashem Elokeinu, the L-rd our King. That role will be played by Moshiach, may he soon enter the stage.