This Shabbat, we begin a new Sefer (book) of the Torah: Bamidbar, the fourth book. The very first Pasuk (verse) tells us that G-d spoke to Moshe Bamidbar Sinai—in the Sinai Desert. Regarding this setting, the Midrash teaches:
“Whoever does not make themselves open and free like a desert will not be able to gain the wisdom of the Torah.”
Commentators explain that being “free” and “open” refers to the essential trait of humility.
An arrogant person often closes themselves off, refusing to learn from anyone they perceive as “beneath” them—whether that person is younger, less experienced, or holds different beliefs. Such a person might seek out only teachers of a certain “status” or offer to teach others if there is something personal to gain. In contrast, a truly humble person is open to gaining insight from anyone, regardless of status or background. They understand that wisdom can come from the most unexpected places. Moreover, a humble person is eager to share their knowledge simply to help others learn, without seeking anything in return.
We see this same theme in the physical location G-d chose for the giving of the Torah. Har Sinai was not the tallest or most majestic mountain; in fact, more “impressive” peaks like Mt. Carmel and Mt. Hermon were nearby. Yet, G-d chose the humble mountain to teach us that Torah can only be truly acquired when we humble ourselves and remain open to learning from everyone.
One of my teachers, Rabbi Dr. Aba Goldman, shared a story that perfectly illustrates this point. Rabbi Goldman’s father was a professor and a friend of Albert Einstein. Once, while they were in Einstein’s home office discussing a deeply complex scientific topic, there was a knock at the door.
Standing there was a young boy from the neighborhood, clutching his math homework. Despite being in the middle of a high-level academic discussion, the world’s most famous physicist humbly and patiently took the time to help the child with his basic math problems.
As we approach the holiday of Shavuot and celebrate matan torah (the giving of the Torah), let us take this lesson to heart. May we all strive to be like the desert—open, humble, and ready to learn from the world around us.