It happened the summer between seventh and eighth grades. I was in a local drama troupe when the instructor offered us the chance to dramatize a Shakespearean sonnet in a modern setting. I took one look at the archaic language and turned her down. Watching my fellow performers rehearsing and later performing their pieces, I knew I had made the wrong decision. I had not pushed myself in the way I could have. Instead I had taken the easy way out.
I mention this incident this week as we read Vaerah, the second portion in the book of Exodus, in appreciation of Moses and Aaron, who go way out of their comfort zones to confront Pharaoh. Last week, you may remember, Moses initially balks at God’s suggestion that he be the spokesperson of the Jewish people. “They barely know me, they won’t listen, and I stutter,” he tells God (I paraphrase). But God won’t let him off the hook that easily, showing him what to do to convince Israel and Pharaoh of the seriousness of his intentions, and providing Aaron as a measure of support.
The moment of truth comes, and while the Torah continues to mention Moses’ speech impediment, it never stops him. Thankfully, for us, he goes beyond his own perceived limitations, and, in doing so, makes everything we are today possible.
In the end, my decision to pass on the sonnet was minor affair in my life. But, the story didn’t stop there, because I ended up memorizing the sonnet I was assigned – number 29 – anyway. The words are reminders to me to push myself, and when given the opportunity, to toke it.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Alex
p.s. – I am including a link to Sonnet 29.I encourage you to read it through, both because it is a wonderful piece of writing, and as inspiration. Use it as you see fit.
