We Must Not Forget

The Torah makes it a prohibition to forget the events of Mount Sinai. Moshe Rabbeinu gives a strong admonishment that they must remember that great day of Revelation.

He also reminds them that they never saw a physical image of G-d, for he has no form. There is a reference here to the state of prophecy they were experiencing. There is a big difference between what is seen in conscious state and a prophetic state.

Many prayer books list “six remembrances” that we are to recite each day. We are to remember our exodus from Egypt, the attack by Amalek against us, the rebelliousness of the Jewish people in the desert, Miriam’s sin against Moshe, and remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

We see how important it is that we not stray from the main events of our history. We have a definite destiny that is unique to our people. We need to appreciate the special role that we have.

We are not meant to copy the ways of the other nations. We are meant to lead and not follow. Remembering the important events of our history, will help keep us focused on our priorities for the present.

This is why we are commanded to mention the exodus from Egypt twice daily. This was when we began as a nation, and Hashem revealed Himself in an open manner.

No religion can compare in its origin. One nation taken out of the midst of another nation with signs and wonders. And seven weeks later, every Jew heard G-d speak the first two of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

We can understand why Moshe Rabbeinu placed so much of an emphasis on remembering. Forgetfulness of what is crucially important has proven to have devastating results on our people. This must not be repeated. “Never again,” means not forgetting.