Illustration image: Yitro and Moshe, watercolor by James Tissot (1896-1900)
Shemot 18:12 And Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, took a burnt-offering and sacrifices for G-d; and Aharon came, and all the elders of Yisrael, to eat bread with Moshe's father-in-law before G-d.
The phrase "before G-d" seems misplaced in this context. How was this specific feast in the presence of G-d?
Rabbi Avin explained:
“To partake of a meal where a Torah scholar is present is like enjoying the splendor of G-d’s Divine Presence. After all, did Yitro, Aharon, and the elders of Yisrael eat before G-d? They ate before Moshe! Rather, this verse teaches us that sharing a meal with a scholar [such as Moshe] is like enjoying the splendor of G-d’s Presence.” (Berachot 64a)
What makes dining with a Torah scholar so remarkable? Wouldn't engaging in Torah study with them provide a more profound spiritual experience? Furthermore, how does such a meal resemble "enjoying the splendor of G-d's Presence"?
Despite the immense greatness of the human soul, its capacity to comprehend and relish G-d's infinite wisdom is limited. The extent of pleasure we experience in G-d's Presence is determined by our spiritual achievements. The higher our spiritual awareness, the greater the joy we find in G-d's Presence. Although complete mastery of Divine wisdom remains elusive, even the modest level of understanding attainable can fill the soul with profound light and joy.
The holiness, profound wisdom, and elevated conduct of a Torah scholar may not be fully appreciated by the general public. The wisdom may be difficult for common people to grasp, and they may struggle to relate to the scholar's holiness. How can individuals with more ordinary backgrounds connect with such a distinguished scholar?
A scholar's most significant impact occurs in areas where others can easily connect with him. While many may find it challenging to follow his scholarly lectures, a shared meal creates a common ground that bridges the gap between the most distinguished and the most ordinary individuals. This connection enables everyone to partake in some aspect of a great scholar's journey in Torah and service to G-d.
When a Torah scholar manifests his profound wisdom and holiness, the ordinary person may feel a daunting sense of distance from such lofty achievements. The prospect of attaining a level so far beyond one's own limited capabilities may lead to despair. However, partaking in a meal with a scholar offers a tangible, shared experience that makes people more open to appreciating the scholar's noble traits and holy conduct.
Of course, those who are able to understand the scholar’s wisdom can more fully appreciate his greatness. Those individuals will derive greater benefit and pleasure from him. This is precisely Rabbi Avin’s point: just as the degree of pleasure gained from G-d’s Presence depends on the soul’s spiritual state, so too, the benefit we derive from a great scholar depends on our spiritual level and erudition.
(Parashat Yitro - Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, https://ravkooktorah.org/)
*Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook (1865-1935), the celebrated first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel, is recognized as being among the most important Jewish thinkers of all times. His writings reflect the mystic's search for underlying unity in all aspects of life and the world, and his unique personality similarly united a rare combination of talents and gifts. Rav Kook was a prominent rabbinical authority and active public leader, but at the same time, a deeply religious mystic. He was both Talmudic scholar and poet, original thinker and saintly tzaddik.
