Weekly Torah portion: Vayikra

By Rabbi Yaakov Marks

SAN DIEGO — The momentous occasion had arrived. After months of dedicated and selfless work, the Mishkan (the portable tabernacle) was completed and assembled. Moshe and all the people stood in awe and trepidation as they watched G-d’s glory descend and rest upon the Mishkan. The nation rejoiced, viewing this as a sign that their repentance had been accepted.

Moshe initially spoke to G-d through the burning bush, then in open conversations, and finally intimately on Mount Sinai. No one was as close to and as knowledgeable about G-d as Moshe. G-d and Moshe communicated whenever and wherever either of them felt the need. Moshe had total faith in G-d’s word and accepted all of His commandments with great love and reverence. Yet, even though Moshe had such a close relationship with G-d, he still felt fearful of entering the Mishkan while G-d’s presence rested upon it. As Moshe stood staring at the Mishkan G-d “called” to him, then “spoke” to him, and then Moshe entered.

Why did G-d need to first call to Moshe and then speak to him? Speaking occurs with the use of the voice. Shouldn’t that get Moshe’s attention? Moshe felt very close to G-d, so wouldn’t he accept anything G-d said?

The Talmud tells us that G-d is teaching us a very fundamental concept of “Derech Eretz” (Courteous interpersonal relationship). Don’t tell anyone something unless you call to him first. But, aren’t you still telling him what to do?
The commentaries say that calling is a form of showing affection or respect for the person being spoken to. A person is called by his name, and through the use of his name honor is shown, emphasizing that the person is recognized as an individual, that he is cared about. He is called first and then spoken to. This also shows that he is being given time to prepare himself and to get in the frame of mind to listen to what you have to say. You are not suddenly forcing your opinion on him, but showing him that you want him to determine whether he wishes to accept what you have to say.

By teaching this through Moshe, we are shown that even a relationship as close as G-d’s to Moshe requires that the person being spoken to is given the proper respect. Even Moshe might have rejected what G-d was saying if not approached properly.

G-d is teaching us to understand that the next time we speak to someone, first call his name; learn who he really is and what he really wants before we tell him what we want. Listen to him in order to know what he wants and not to simply give your answer. This is how a person is spoken to with proper respect and dignity. If G-d acted this way towards Moshe, we should act this way towards all people.

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Rabbi Marks is a certified health coach who may be contacted via ahealthyrabbi@gmail.com.