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Parshat Vayetze
Hosea alludes, in this historical prelude, to Israel's prophet par excellence, Moses, the one who brought them up out of Egypt and guarded them during their desert sojourn. The intent of this history lesson was, as Rashi admonishes, that the people should not scorn the prophets or their words since they are Moses' successors. This identification is founded upon a literary pattern set up by Hosea in verse 13. It is assumed in that verse that it was Israel (Jacob) who both served [Laban] for a wife and for a wife guarded [Laban's sheep]. Similarly in verse 14, Moses is identified as the prophet who both brought Israel out of Egypt and by whom they were guarded [in the desert]. The sages were wont to read things more creatively. While it is clear that Moses was the prophet who brought Israel out of Egypt, the second clause of verse 14 is more open to interpretation who guarded them and exactly when? The following midrash takes advantage of this ambiguity in order to focus on the role of prophet as redeemer: "Thus opened Rabbi Tanhuma son of Rabbi Abba: 'But when the Lord brought you out of Egypt' this refers to Moses; 'through a prophet they were guarded' this refers to Elijah. One finds that both of these prophets hailed from the tribe of Levi, Moses, the first and Elijah, the last. Both of them were Israel's redeemers Moses from Egypt and Elijah will redeem them in the time to come. Moses redeemed them from Egypt and they never became enslaved in Egypt again; Elijah when he redeems them in the future, they will never again be enslaved." (adapted from Pesikta Rabati 4 14a Ish Shalom ed.) If Moses was the paradigmatic prophet redeemer at the beginning of Israel's history as a nation, it is this midrash's expectation that Elijah will play that same role at the end of history. Why? This midrash sees Elijah's story as parallel to that of Moses. Since Moses' mission met with success, it follows that Elijah's would as well. The successes of the past serve as the hope for the future. Perhaps, this then is the biblical prophet's greatest gift a message of hope. It is ultimately the foundation for all of the rest.
The United Synagogue Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem offers students of all backgrounds the skills for studying Jewish texts. We are a vibrant, open-minded egalitarian community of committed Jews who learn, practise and grow together. Our goal is to provide students the ability and desire to continue Jewish learning and practice throughout their lives. Rashei Yeshiva: Rabbi Richard Lewis, Rabbi Joel Roth and Rabbi Pesach Schindler.
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