During the narrative of the bondage and exodus of the Jewish people, we encounter numerous conversations between HaShem and Moshe. Those directives were then repeated to Pharoh.

Time and time again the word ויאמר introduces a particular segment.

Moshe reiterates to Pharoh that it is not he, Moshe, giving the orders or making the requests. It is G-d Himself who is directing the scenario. Moshe, and at times Aharon, are simply the messengers. There are several instances in the Torah where Moshe and Aharon are praised for fulfilling G-d’s directives to the letter.

Why should that be praiseworthy? As messengers of G-d, wouldn’t one expect them to transmit and fulfill the exact directives?

The answer is simple. It is human nature for someone, even inadvertently, to interject their personal feelings or agenda when giving over a message. At times, it could even be omitting a single word or the inflection in their voice.

Moshe and Aharon understood that the word of G-d must be given verbatim, in its pure form. Notwithstanding that there are “70 facets to the Torah”, those facets all emanate from the “Diamond” of His Word.

The praise is awarded because of their ability, despite being great men themselves, to give over the message free and clear of any personal interests.

They also recognized that as messengers of HaShem, they were His representatives to Pharoh, to the nation and to the world.

Rabbi Berel Wein recounts stories about Rabbi Alexander Rosenberg, Z’L, the first kashrut administrator of the Orthodox Union and a Rav in Yonkers, New York. Rav Rosenberg was once approached by an individual who sought consent from the rabbi for something that was, at best, ethically questionable. The person qualified his position by quoting several sources that were in line with his thinking. After hearing all of those who gave backing to the man’s actions, Rav Rosenberg responded: “Und vos zogt Gott?—And what does God say?” Rabbi Wein said that this was a common question of Rabi Rosenberg.

Und Vos Zogt Gott? What does G-d say? Such a simple, yet fundamental measuring device for anyone truly wishing to emulate HaShem and His Torah.

We must ask ourselves if our words and deeds would meet the approval of G-d Himself. What would HaShem “say” about the way in which we conduct our business, our relationships and our daily behavior?

Are we trustworthy representatives?

Too often, our behavior is influenced more by the opinions and “norms” of our society of friends, neighbors, school administration and shadchanim than by what G-d and the Torah truly expect from us.

When a tragedy occurs, people seek comfort, guidance, assurance and inspiration. Not excuses, agenda or finger pointing. Even when the speaker can quote many “sources” for their stance.

These days, it seems as if everyone has an opinion or an insight into how and why “things happen”. And thanks to our digital world there is a virtual stage from where to broadcast it.

Und vos zogt Gott? Would He approve of the message from those speaking “In His Name”?

Are their words inspired by the truth of Mount Sinai or the soapbox of public opinion? Is their concern for the honor of Heaven and the Jewish people or in boosting their own popularity and agenda?

Sometimes the deepest and most powerful words and actions are rooted in simplicity and sincerity. Simplicity in their goal with sincerity of the heart.

As the Ibn Ezra said:

דברים היוצאים מן הלב נכנסים אל הלב– words of the heart enter the heart.

So to whom should we listen? What does G-d really want from us?

Perhaps we should listen to Him in His own words:

אליהו רבה פרק כח:

"ומה אני מבקש מכם אלא שתהיו אוהבים זה את זה, ותהיו מכבדים זה את זה, ותהיו יראים זה מזה, ולא ימצא בכם עבירה וגזל ודבר מכוער".

What do I request from you? Only that you should love one another, and that you should honor one another and be in awe one from another and there shouldn’t be found among you sin, theft or ugly things….

הגיד לך אדם מה טוב ומה ה׳ דורש ממך

 כי אם עשות משפט ואהבת חסד והצנע לכת עם אלוקיך (מיכה ו)

He has told you, person, what is good, and what HaShem requires of you: only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk modestly with your God; (Micha 6)

Without politics, pundits or personal/communal agenda, this is what He wants from us, simply and sincerely.

Shabbat Shalom

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