Sharing the Spirit May 28, 2010

Shabbat Shalom!
(Commentary on Numbers 11:24-29)

Two young men spoke
as if a special spirit had touched them
in the same way that their leader
Moses
hoped that a godly wisdom
would rest upon the “elders”
enabling them to take on
responsibilities
tasks
and authority
while Moses would watch them lead
with trust and pride.
70 of those “leaders” joined
with Moses
at their center of community
the Tent of Meeting
waiting for the confidence
that would inspire them
to great heights.
But the two young men
Eldad and Medad
Were not elders at the Tent.
They were among the people
And still, a spirit had come upon them
A still small voice that had come alive
In a public way.
Moses’ deputy…intern….assistant
A leader-in-training, Joshua,
cried out, “Moses, restrain them!”
But Moses knew
That it would not take only the elders
To lead with wisdom
but, also, individuals among the people
Who would reflect
a divine and godly spirit
by exhibiting in their behavior
trust
respect
creativity
ingenuity
kindness
a soft voice
matched with a clarity and unity of purpose
that they hoped to share with the whole community.
It was not rebellion
That these two men “prophesying in the camp”
represented
but, rather, hope and partnership,
not meaning in any way to undermine
but, merely, to complement their leaders’ effforts
leaving their egos behind
and joining their souls
with the collective communal spirit.
So Moses welcomed their sudden inspiration
That, he knew, was not unauthorized.
He realized that
it had to have originated with an eternal Source.
So he said,
“Would that all of the people of the Eternal were prophets,
and that the Eternal would put a godly spirit upon them!”
May we
Find and reflect a positive and productive spirit
In our efforts and our work as a community
That demonstrates the best we have to offer
As we move forward
As partners and companions
Towards a common goal.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Larry