A year had passed in which Klal Yisrael was situated at Har Sinai. It became time to move on to Eretz Yisrael. The Midrash defines the word “rav” as “abundance”; Klal Yisrael’s encampment at Har Sinai brought much benefit to them: the Torah, the Mishkan, the Zekeinim and other leaders. The Kli Yakar views the summons to leave Har Sinai as a practical lesson in attitude toward Torah. Moshe observed Klal Yisrael lingering at Har Sinai. They had become content with the Torah as a book of thought, a wonderful collection of laws brilliantly formulated by their Divine Author. They were, however, not prepared to move on to Eretz Yisrael, to put the Torah into practice. Moshe was, therefore , commanded to instruct the people to move on to the land, to build the Bais Hamikdash, to approach the ultimate destination.
All too often, many of us get bogged down “along the way,” ignoring our objectives – if we have even developed them. A Jew has a purpose in life. Fulfilling that purpose must be his goal. We are here to serve Hashem in a positive manner. For some, the instrument is Torah study in its purest form, unimpeded by material or secular pursuits. For others, the vehicle is serving Hashem through active participation in community-oriented endeavors, such as various acts of chesed, kindness. One must, however, establish a set of goals which he strives to attain. Otherwise, he simply stagnates, proceeding through life as a Jew by rote, with no zest or enthusiasm, not appreciating the beauty and vigor of Yiddishkeit. Whatever one does, it should be goal-oriented. Even in Torah study, one should make demands on himself, setting specific goals and areas of accomplishment, aspiring for greatness with a sheifah, ambition, to master all areas of Torah. This attitude will not only enhance one’s learning, but it will also transform his entire character.
