D'var Torah: "Moshe received the Torah from Sinai and passed it to Yehoshuah" (Avot 1). Pirkei Avot records the axiomatic Torah principle of each sage throughout the generations. However, regarding Moshe Rabenu, Pirkei Avot tells us only that "Moshe passed the Torah to Yehoshuah." We wonder: why doesn't Pirkei Avot reveal Moshe Rabenu's foundational principle? The answer to this question is embedded in the words, "Moshe received the Torah from Sinai." Meaning that the essential Sinaic Torah that Moshe Rabenu received was the clear revelation of the Divine Presence. Moshe transmitted his holy Sinaic experience to Yehoshuah, who transferred it to the other Prophets. When prophecy diminished, it was no longer possible to share the Sinaic awareness with the later sages. Instead, the Prophets passed the Torah knowledge, itself, to the "Men of the Great Assembly." The sincere study of Torah offers the expertise of Torah wisdom, as well as, the renewal of the Sinai experience.
Moral: The most significant aspect of Sinai was the revelation of the Holy Presence of HaShem. HaShem grants each Torah student the opportunity to access the awareness of the Sinaic experience.
Application: Reflect on the passage, "Moshe received the Torah from Sinai and passed it to Yehoshuah." Envision Moshe Rabenu standing at Mount Sinai enjoying the highest level of knowing HaShem's Holiness, Love, and Light. When you learn Torah, have the intention to access the awesome Sinaic experience embedded in every word of Torah. Rejoice in knowing the infinite Goodness of HaShem.
