We’re Bored of All Our Choices
Torah Tuesday in (exactly) 100 words
In their weary wandering in the desert, the Israelites kvetch to Moses about how they’re bored with their food choices. Give us something new!
Out of nowhere, fiery serpents arrive and bite the people. Why serpents? One midrash explains: the people were blessed with manna – one sacred substance that tasted like anything they desired. The serpent from Eden was cursed with the inverse – a diverse food menu that all tasted like dust.
Follow one spiritual path and, if it’s deep and rich, we can taste the entire universe. Take the consumer buffet approach, and everything ends up tasting like nothing.
Every Tuesday I offer a reflection on the Torah portion of the week – in 100 words, of course. This week’s Torah portion is Chukot, in the book of Numbers. Interesting to note that in the term that’s translated as “fiery” in “fiery serpents” is seraphim – the majestic, luminous six-winged angelic attendants of God. Please share, comment, and join the conversation!
Precious, so true. I used to be the master of spiritual sample tasting, never staying long enough for a full 7 course meal. At some point had to learn that deeper and consistent actually nourishes. Thank you, Ana
Don’t wish too hard for what you want, because then you just might get it!