Beha'aloscha - June 6, 2026 / 21 Sivan 5786
Of the many events that occur during this week’s parsha, the one I find most interesting is how Moshe reacts to the people when they complain about a lack of meat. When I pondered the episode I came up with three questions (I am sure there are many more). I found that these questions also related to some of the workplace challenges and office politics many of us deal with in our daily grind.
Firstly, when the people are complaining it seems like Moshe has finally had enough, but hadn’t he dealt with complaining before? They complained of water, food, enemies, so complaining of a lack of meat is seemingly no different from before that Moshe should be overwhelmed. Secondly, when Moshe is seemingly overwhelmed by the burden of the Nation’s complaining, he turns to G-d and complains about why he must bear it all, asking “did I conceive or give birth to the entire people?” Lastly, G-d responds to Moshe that he should gather 70 elders to the tent of meeting. How will 70 elders be able to respond to complaining any better than Moshe who is clearly the highest authority present?
While there are several possible answers to each of these questions, I want to cite a few that I think carry an important message for us in our daily lives. This complaining was different because it was simply complaining for the sake of complaining. We all know that vegetarians can survive so meat is clearly not a need, but tradition also says that the manna tasted like whatever they wanted. Previous complaints about water, food, or enemies were rooted in genuine fears even if stemming from a lack of faith. How do you respond to complainers who just want to complain? We have all met such people of negativity and perhaps even been tempted to join them. Remember though, if you are just looking to complain, you will also never be satisfied.
So how is Moshe different than the complaining Nation? As great as Moshe was, everybody can and should ask for help sometimes. It is a sign of strength, not complaining. We all reach our limits and when we do, one can and should turn to G-d. When Moshe does so, he gets assigned a team of 70 to assist! This often happens at work and at home. We can turn into micromanagers or try to carry all the burden ourselves. Don’t do it. This is not only unproductive; it harms both ourselves and those we are trying to help.
What could the 70 do that Moshe could not? The 70 elders plus Moshe, set the stage for the Sanhedrin, the great court of 71. Spread the load. Teamwork makes the dream work. You need to learn to let go and trust in others. The true measure of success is when your accomplishments continue to be carried out by others. It is because we continue to follow the Torah that these words have meaning, as it says in Devarim (30:12) “it (the Torah) is not in Heaven.”
Take these lessons to home or to the office – be positive, don’t hesitate to ask for help, and learn to let go. Have a relaxing Shabbat!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
Firstly, when the people are complaining it seems like Moshe has finally had enough, but hadn’t he dealt with complaining before? They complained of water, food, enemies, so complaining of a lack of meat is seemingly no different from before that Moshe should be overwhelmed. Secondly, when Moshe is seemingly overwhelmed by the burden of the Nation’s complaining, he turns to G-d and complains about why he must bear it all, asking “did I conceive or give birth to the entire people?” Lastly, G-d responds to Moshe that he should gather 70 elders to the tent of meeting. How will 70 elders be able to respond to complaining any better than Moshe who is clearly the highest authority present?
While there are several possible answers to each of these questions, I want to cite a few that I think carry an important message for us in our daily lives. This complaining was different because it was simply complaining for the sake of complaining. We all know that vegetarians can survive so meat is clearly not a need, but tradition also says that the manna tasted like whatever they wanted. Previous complaints about water, food, or enemies were rooted in genuine fears even if stemming from a lack of faith. How do you respond to complainers who just want to complain? We have all met such people of negativity and perhaps even been tempted to join them. Remember though, if you are just looking to complain, you will also never be satisfied.
So how is Moshe different than the complaining Nation? As great as Moshe was, everybody can and should ask for help sometimes. It is a sign of strength, not complaining. We all reach our limits and when we do, one can and should turn to G-d. When Moshe does so, he gets assigned a team of 70 to assist! This often happens at work and at home. We can turn into micromanagers or try to carry all the burden ourselves. Don’t do it. This is not only unproductive; it harms both ourselves and those we are trying to help.
What could the 70 do that Moshe could not? The 70 elders plus Moshe, set the stage for the Sanhedrin, the great court of 71. Spread the load. Teamwork makes the dream work. You need to learn to let go and trust in others. The true measure of success is when your accomplishments continue to be carried out by others. It is because we continue to follow the Torah that these words have meaning, as it says in Devarim (30:12) “it (the Torah) is not in Heaven.”
Take these lessons to home or to the office – be positive, don’t hesitate to ask for help, and learn to let go. Have a relaxing Shabbat!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
