Parshas Vaeira 5783
I don’t have any hard data, but I have to imagine that it is a significant percentage of Seder tables around the world at which Moshe’s absence from the Haggadah is noted, along with the explanation of how critical it is to realize that it was Hashem, and not Moshe, who was ultimately responsible for our redemption.
Yet while Moshe’s presence in the actual Chumash is unavoidable—there’s simply no way to provide a proper detailing of the story without mentioning the human leader of the Jewish People—Moshe’s role in the Exodus is heightened in the Chumash in a manner that is almost uncomfortable.
וַיֹּאמֶר ה׳ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה רְאֵה נְתַתִּיךָ אֱלֹהִים לְפַרְעֹה וְאַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ יִהְיֶה נְבִיאֶךָ׃
(שמות ז:א)
And Hashem said to Moshe, “See that I have placed you as an elohim for Pharaoh; and Aharon your brother will be your agent.”
(Shemos 7:1)
Hashem does not merely describe Moshe as His own ambassador or spokesperson, but rather as an elohim—a power or master—over Pharaoh. Hashem utilizes the same term by which He Himself is described and attributes that authority to Moshe with respect to Pharaoh.
Why is Moshe placed on such a surprising pedestal? Wouldn’t the story be more accurately described by downplaying Moshe’s own prominence and highlighting Hashem’s involvement? Why does the Chumash move so far afield from the path taken by the Haggadah?
While the message of the Haggadah is critical. The message of the pesukim is no less so. The Midrash )Shemos Rabbah 8:1) describes that the name elohim was chosen for Moshe specifically as an act of sharing the glory with Him. The very act of creation is one of humility—of Hashem allowing room for other beings to exist—and that trait is on display in calling Moshe by the very term Hashem uses to describe himself.
The Haggadah reminds us to see past the other forces and recognize Hashem’s involvement throughout the unfolding miracles. But the pesukim remind us that others were indeed involved, invited in by Hashem Himself.
What emerges is fascinating. That while Hashem incorporates others into the process, He still reaps the rewards of their endeavor. Hashem’s glory is not lessened as a result of Moshe’s involvement, it is heightened. Moshe plays an important role, but it is ultimately Hashem Who is recognized for liberating His chosen nation.
Using Hashem as a model for our own behavior always has its shortcomings. Yet I have found that on a human level, a similar reality unfolds when the limelight is shared. When it comes to glory and prestige, our natural inclination is to preserve for ourselves rather than share it with others. If we can accomplish a project or hit a milestone on our own, involving others will only dilute the recognition that will ultimately be coming our way. We’d much prefer to cross the finish line ourselves than while holding hands with others.
But that mode of thinking is so sadly narrow. If we’re crossing the finish line by ourselves, the race is so lame it’s probably not getting much attention. By onboarding others into our dream and vision, there’s the ability to accomplish something so much greater, something that leaves plenty of room for a whole team of people to be thanked and lauded.
I’ve been embarrassed on more than one occasion for receiving thanks for a program or initiative at our shul that I simply had nothing to do with. And while it feels like a scam to be applauded for someone else’s work, it reflects a reality of adopting an outlook of plenty rather than scarcity. When many people are involved the results are greater. When the results are greater, there’s more appreciation to go round, not less.
Do we spend more time focusing on what we want to accomplish, or on what we want to accomplish? One of the great ironies of life is that we tend to receive greater recognition when we share the stage with others and put on a show that is far more grand than what we could do all on our own. We can build a sandcastle all on our own and receive exclusive rights to the accolades. To build a skyscraper, we’ll need partners, but we’ll sacrifice none of the congratulations. It is only natural to be reluctant to share the limelight. But when we do, it becomes a whole lot brighter.