On most occasions when the Torah states that God issues a command, the details of the directive are spelled out. Our portion offers an exception to the rule. The text reads, “and the Lord spoke to Moshe (Moses) and Aaron and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel.” (Exodus 6:13). But the specific command is not spelled out.

The reality is that the power of certain situations go beyond words. When the emotion is so high, words simply do not suffice. For example, in the Hagaddah we proclaim that had God taken us to Sinai, but not given us the Torah—dayenu, it would have been enough. Is this true? What value is there in coming to Sinai if the Torah is not given? But perhaps it can be suggested that the experience of coming to Sinai, the revelation moment, even without words, has intense power. The rendezvous with God would have been enough. Following this idea, it can be suggested that the mere experience of being commanded was enough – nothing more had to be said.

One wonders, however, why here specifically were no words required? After all God commands Moshe and Aaron many times—and the specific mandate follows? But perhaps the command was indeed fully spelled out. Note that after the Torah says, “and He commanded them (va-yetzavem),” the Torah adds the two letter word, “el” which literally means, “to.” Here, Moshe and Aaron were commanded “to” the Jewish people; in other words they were to become involved with the Jewish people in a way that they would connect with them no matter what.

Sifrei makes this very point by declaring “God said to Moshe and Aaron, I want you to know that the Israelites are a stubborn and troublesome lot; but you must accept this mission on the understanding that they will curse you and stone you.” Ibn Ezra follows this idea by stating that Moshe and Aaron were commanded to be patient with Israel and not be angry with them, even if the nation refused to believe in their leadership.

This idea also makes contextual sense. It follows immediately after the Jewish people had bitterly complained to Moshe and Aaron that their efforts to free the people had only made things worse. (Exodus 5:21)

This approach rings true today. Debate has emerged on how to deal with Jews who have strayed. In Israel for example, there are those who throw stones at Jews who do not keep the Sabbath. Our analysis points us in a different direction—rock throwing is counter productive. Patience and love are the way.

A chassid once approached his rebbe. “My child is desecrating the Sabbath. What shall I do?” “Love him” replied the rebbe. “But he is desecrating the Sabbath publicly,” retorted the chassid. The rebbe looked up with a smile and responded, “Then, love him even more.”

Hence, God’s command to Moshe and Aaron—“to the children of Israel.” “El” teaches that the gateway to the soul is not through stones or harsh words, but rather through love.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Avi Weiss