Be as Open as the Wilderness

“The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai.” (Numbers 1)

Why did God speak in the wilderness? Why did God choose such a barren place to reveal the Torah?

It is because the wilderness belongs to no one. And wisdom can be claimed by everyone. It is because this barren place is open to all. And knowledge can be found by anyone.

The rabbis add: “Anyone who does not make oneself open to all like a wilderness cannot acquire wisdom and Torah.” (Bamidbar Rabbah 1)

What does it mean to be open to all?

It means that we must remain open to learning from each and every person. If we only learn from one source, then we cannot become wise. If we only read Jewish texts, but do not study secular literature, we do not truly learn. If we only delve into the sciences but do not pore over history’s texts, then we do not become well rounded thinkers. If we, to put it into contemporary language, only watch Fox News or conversely only read The New York Times, we cannot discern the contours of the arguments that animate present society.

It also means that we must foster an openness to others. There are those with whom we love to spend time and others we do not. There are those with whom we disagree and those with whom we agree (most of the time). Are we open to all?

There are those who are Americans and others who are not. There are those who are citizens and others who are migrants. There are those who are Jewish and others who are Christians or Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists, Sikhs or atheists. Are we truly open to each and every person?

Years ago, in the Spring of 1987 to be exact, I traveled to the Sinai. I marveled at its vastness. I was awed by its expansiveness. It was harsh yet beautiful, stark yet majestic. Our Bedouin guide led us through wadis and over mountains. We struggled to keep pace with his even steps. I wondered how his pace never changed. It was consistent despite the terrain. I attempted to mirror his cadence. I discovered a camaraderie in our footsteps.

There was learning to be discerned in this wilderness.

Do we remain open to others, to people who are different than ourselves, who believe not as we do? Do we remain open to ideas other than those beliefs we hold in our own hearts?

How can we be as open and expansive as the wilderness? How can we remain receptive to the Torah that continues to be revealed in such a wide, expansive place?