Bnei Yisrael did not believe in Moshe because of the various signs which he performed. A belief based on signs leaves room for doubt about their true origin. Bnei Yisrael believed in Moshe at Har Sinai because of the great revelation of miracles which they witnessed with their own eyes. Their eyes saw the flames and their ears heard the thunder, so that this miraculous spectacle was integrated into their hearts and minds forever. Moshe’s personal acts were contested by members of his generation, but not one Jew questioned the actual giving of the Torah. Despite the fact that they were rebuked by the great prophets for various misdeeds, Bnei Yisrael were never admonished for a disbelief in the Torah. Never did anyone doubt what they saw with an amazing clarity of vision.
When these people of exceptional character and intellect agreed to accept the Torah, it was truly a great moment in history. This fiery and loving acceptance would never be quenched by the torrents of suffering in a sea of persecution. What our ancestors saw and accepted thirty-two centuries ago is still vibrant today. The facts of Am Yisrael‘s history are not matters of belief, but rather a testimonial to that which we have experienced. One can only wonder at the utter foolishness of those who would dare to deny this revelation after so many centuries of a tradition transmitted from father to son.
