Our daughter Shaina will be 22 months tomorrow. For the first time, she will join us for the 2-mile round-trip trek to Shul on Shabbat. Thank G-d she is a good walker, but we still don’t know how she will fare. We will be sure to hold her hand and guide her along. But – because it is Shabbat – we cannot carry her. She will have to walk on her own two feet. But we will always be right there.
When children are young we are eager to offer them support and guide them along. But as they mature, we need to slowly let go. We must allow them to discover the world – and themselves – on their own. By pulling back, we are helping them become better people.
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In this week’s parsha Behaalotecha, the Jews are in middle of a nearly 40-year journey. They made a lot of pit-stops along the way from Egypt to Israel. They did not know where they were heading on any given day, and the wilderness was not a very hospitable place, but they had assistance. The Torah tells us about the Clouds of Glory. These special clouds were provided by the Almighty to offer the Jewish people protection and guidance. The clouds traveled ahead of the Children of Israel, pointing them to their destination. These clouds also served a protection against enemies, wildlife and the elements.
The Jews of the wilderness era were privileged. In fact, they were not quite that deserving. They had been sentenced to remaining in the wilderness due to the sin of the spies (more about that nest week). Nonetheless, G-d provided them with extra security and direction. Indeed, a phenomenal display of love and affection from their Father in Heaven. Even when a punishment is necessary, G-d still finds ways to help his children.
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I am often asked why the Torah talks about so many miracles, yet today they seem hard to come by.
While the truth is that Divine intervention occurs to each one of us every day, I must admit that overt miracles on a Biblical scale are indeed rare.
But, this is not a reflection of G-d abandoning us. Quite the contrary. This is a clear indication that G-d wants us to accomplish more on our own. We have hopefully grown out of our infancy and learned from the many generations preceding us. We are more capable. G-d is demonstrating His great trust in us, allowing us to be true partners in His holy work of perfecting this world.
By walking on our own, we are able to fulfill Hashem’s dream and mission, that this world be a better place. It would be easier is He took us by the hand. But it is a far greater accomplishment and far deeper and enriching experience, when we partner with Him and offer our own contribution.