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Parshat Mishpatim concludes with the powerful words, “And the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire atop the mountain, before the eyes of the Children of Israel” (Shemot 24:17). Why was it necessary for God to reveal His glory to the entire people? Rav Soloveitchik offers a profound insight: “There are two aspects to the giving of the Torah. First, a system of law was handed down to Moshe. However, if this were the only purpose, then God could have revealed the Torah to Moshe alone, with Moshe later teaching the people. The reason for the revelation was to demonstrate that to perceive God, one need not have great intelligence, understand philosophy, or be an outstanding tzaddik. All Israel was included in this vision. Judaism demands that every Jew feel His Presence and experience Him” (Chumash Mesoret HaRav, Parshat Mishpatim, p. 221).
The Torah was meant for every Jew. Judaism stands alone among world religions because it is the only tradition in which God appeared directly to the entire people—no intermediaries, no secret teachings passed from a master to a select few. God’s revelation wasn’t for an elite group, but for all of Israel, from the greatest tzaddik to the simplest soul. The Torah demands that every Jew be part of God’s revelation from the very beginning. And not only that: the revelation speaks to each Jew on their own level—no one is excluded. To be part of the Torah doesn’t require being the most learned or the most pious, but simply being a Jew who seeks a genuine connection with HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
Thus, while God reveals Himself to all equally, His revelation is tailored to each individual’s spiritual journey. The Torah is uniquely personal, speaking to everyone according to their needs, challenges, and aspirations.
Indeed, the Torah is meant for every Jew, and God’s revelation to the entire nation highlights this truth. Each Jew has a portion in the Torah, and the Torah speaks to each of us where we are on our spiritual path. May we always remember that the Torah—all of it—is meant for us, and that we are all part of God’s plan. Let us embrace the understanding that the Torah is incomplete without each of us, that the revelation at Sinai was not complete unless we were all present, united as one people with one heart. Just as the nation needed to see God’s glory appear at the mountain, God needed to be seen, “before the eyes of the Children of Israel.”
Shabbat Shalom!
-Rabbi Dan
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