The Emergence of Moshe Rabbeinu

We are first introduced to our greatest leader, Moshe Rabbeinu, in Parshat Shemot. We learn of his unique upbringing and how he rose to be the head of the Jewish people.

The Midrash tells us that his older sister of five years, Miriam, knew that her little brother would be the savior. He was born circumcised and the house was filled with light from the moment he came into the world.

Even though he grew up in Pharoah’s house, he was not able to tolerate the injustices done to the slaves. He was prepared to even kill an Egyptian in order to save the downtrodden.

He was a very sensitive shepherd, and often carried his tired little sheep on his shoulders. Hashem recognized that Moshe was worthy of leading Hashem’s flock into the Promised Land.

We see his great humility as he argued with G-d for seven days, insisting that he was not the right man for the job.

He was shown certain attributes of Hashem during those seven days. He was never seeking honor or glory. He recognized the vulnerability of man and the need for dependence on Hashem.

The greatness of Moshe was primarily attributed to his humility. No matter what miracles he performed, or that he survived forty days on Mount Sinai without bread and water, and remained humble. He understood that despite the greatest achievements man has ever known, he was only a man, and nothing close to Hashem’s essence. If we understand this, it will allow us to achieve humility, and follow in the footsteps of the greatest man that ever lived.