Community Torah Corner, June 13, 2025

 

This week's parsha is בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (Beha'alotcha), and it is action-packed! It discusses the lighting of the menorah and the purification of the Levites who work at the Mishkan, the tabernacle. It talks about different symbols the Israelites must follow. For example, when a cloud is raised above the Mishkan, the Israelites follow that cloud, and when a shofar sounds short blasts, it is a signal that means war. 

In this parsha, the Israelites also finally begin their journey to Canaan after a year of being at Mount Sinai. And once they do, it does not take long for the complaints to start rolling in. There’s only manna to eat, the water is bitter, they miss the food they had in Egypt, and more!

All of the whining left Moses very overwhelmed with his responsibility to lead the Israelites. So God says to Moses, “Gather for Me seventy of Israel’s elders… and bring them to the Tent of Meeting and let them take their place there with you.”

This was God’s solution to Moses’ problem - sending in reinforcements. It is clear that, as capable as Moses was as a leader, he couldn't lead the Israelites alone. 

This story reminds me of our GOA community. Just like the 70 elders of Moses, our school is comprised of many people who are dedicated to helping it. Our community is unified and strong because we have Rabbi Nevins, Mr. Huseman, Mrs. Siegel, the students, parents, and the faculty, who all value a Jewish education. And of course, a huge contribution is from our Board of Trustees. 

Student council is another organization that works towards bettering the school. In the middle of this year, I became president of the club and in my work as president, I am constantly reminded that we must work together, bounce ideas off of each other, listen with open ears, and make a change when needed. And yes, just like Moses and his 70 elders, I too am a constant sounding board for a variety of complaints. 

Growing up in this building has taught me that we are all better together. I have been surrounded by an incredible support system: my best friends whom I've known since I was four; my teammates who cheer me on; my teachers who inspire and challenge me; and my parents who set me off on this journey.

This parsha teaches us that in order to be our best and do our best, we need people to lift us up and support us, just like the elders did for Moses.

I am better, we are better, and the school is better, because we have each other.