A Matter of Interpretation? Simchat Torah’s Torah Portion’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

What is the most important skill one learn from the Hebrew Bible? One answer is the ability to interpret. By interpret, I do not mean the act of translation. Rather, interpretation is the act of engaging with words to extract meaning. In doing so, perhaps an individual can obtain a better understanding the author’s words.

As the Torah concludes, the readers are told of Moses’ “strong hand.” In one portion translation, there is a reference to his carrying of the tablets of the covenant. This interpretation may have followed the Commentator Rashi’s note on the matter. He discussed the hand and gave as an example that Moses received the Torah encompassed in the Two Tablets with his own hands.

Being knowledgeable concerning the Torah, one can bring information to the interpretation. Moses was involved in a variety of activities with his strong hand. He carved out the Ten Commandments’ Tablets out of stone. Moses’ hands were held up when the waters were parted at the Red Sea. Exodus 14:21. These two moments, as well, reference Moses’ mighty appendage.

The reality is that the reference opens an opportunity for reflection. The author wishes the reader to distill what they have learned from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. What do we know of Moses’ strong hand?

One must wonder whether the author wishes the reader to take into account Moses’ very human side as well. Is there any intent that the reader to reflect upon the fact that Moses’ strong hand was problematic at times? Are we to think of his strong hand when it struck and killed the task master who was abusing a Hebrew slave? Are we to think about his strong hand when, in an act of defiance against the Lord, he struck a rock to produce water?

Thus, this exercise leaves us in a quandary as to how the matter should be interpreted. Perhaps, it is the author who wants us to think deeply about Moses’ successes and failures. Perhaps, the author wishes us to confront the greater reality of life. Life can be black, white and gray. Sometimes, it can be all of them all at once!

The great lesson is the power to interpret. When it comes to language, seeing is not always believing. One must make the effort to understand what is said. This is especially with respect to politics and the news media. There are many who conduct wordplay that is tantamount to deceit. Many languages, it would appear, include instruments to create deceitful communication. The Torah serves as an antidote for readers in that it provides a training ground for discernment skills.

Conclusion

In the end- and the end of the Five Book of Moses, the reader once again is challenged by the author to know the text. This expectation offers up a skill which translates into interpreting the happenings within the contemporary world. One is in a better position to truly understand the complexities of the world when they obtain and retain knowledge. Additionally, one must possess the ability to incorporate any new data to enhance one’s understanding.

Thus, even a passing allusion to a strong arm can be quite complicated.

Be well!!

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