(Exodus 33) His Presence

(Exodus 33) His Presence

The new week will start the Passover, and during the Passover week, the regular schedule of weekly Torah reading is paused. On the Sabbath chol moed during the Passover week https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chol_HaMoed, we read Exodus 33:12-34:26. I often feel very moved when reading this verse:

Exodus 33:16 “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.’’

This reminds me of my daughter. She is a violinist in her high school symphony, and she often wished that I attended her school’s performances. When I could not go, she would be disappointed. When I could attend, I would sit at the front and wave to her to let her know that I am there. I do not totally understand why a child would like his dad to be present in her performance. What is so important?

Here, Moses asks G-d to go with the Israelites in their journey from Mount Sinai to the promised land. The Israelites were saved from slavery in Egypt several months ago, they came to Mount Sinai to accept Torah (G-d’s teachings). Their next step would be going from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land, to live and practice Torah there. However, while Moses was studying the details of Torah with G-d on the mountain, the Israelites worshiped a golden calf and violated the Torah commandments that they just accepted – they were supposed to worship only the true G-d – the Creator of all things. Moses prayed to G-d not to annihilate the Israelites. In addition, Moses asked G-d to go with them in their journey to the promised land, since due to their sinful nature, G-d did not want to go with them initially. Mose’s argument here was that by going with them, it would be known that he and G-d’s people have found grace in G-d’s sights, and that they were separated from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

This is why! We as G-d people would like it to be known that He loves us, we are His children and we are special to Him! Suddenly, I feel that I understand more why my daughter wanted me to attend her performances!