"וַיּוֹצֵ֨א מֹשֶׁ֧ה אֶת־הָעָ֛ם לִקְרַ֥את הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים מִן־הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ בְּתַחְתִּ֥ית הָהָֽר׃
“Moshe led the people out of the camp toward Hashem, and they took their places at the foot of the mountain.”
The translation above is based on Rashi’s simple interpretation that Bnei Yisrael is standing ‘under’ the mountain - at the bottom of it - just as the ‘foot’ is the lowest part of the body.
However, Rashi is not satisfied with this. He subsequently brings the famous Midrash, with a very different connotation - one that is much closer to the literal meaning of the word. The Nation is standing ‘in the bottom’ of the mountain - right underneath it.
“Rabbi Avdimi bar Ḥama bar Ḥasa said that Hashem overturned the mountain like a barrel, and said to them, ‘If you accept the Torah, excellent, and if not, there will be your burial’.” (Shabbat 88a)
Which interpretation is correct?
This is the key question as Am Yisrael prepares to receive the Torah and the same one that we, as individuals, are challenged to answer each time we approach this sacred calling.
Are we standing at the foot of the mountain, excited for the thrilling journey up to the Heavens or are we petrified by the weight of obligation and expectation hanging over our heads? Is the Torah a burden or a blessing? A privilege or a prison?
It depends on how you read Rashi…what’s your take today?
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