Why the name Speaking for Moses for this blog?

As a historical and religious figure, Moses is known as "The Law Giver," the scribe of the Five Books/Torah, a work hailed, by some as, a perfect work, making him the father of all prophets for having spoken with G-d (figuratively) "face to face."  When visiting the United States Supreme Court  you will see Moses in relief standing at the front of the line of other great historical law givers.

Yet, when you think about it, Moses was flawed.  He had a severe speech impediment.  One source says it was the result of an angel trying to save his life.  So, in a sense, his imperfection was actually from G-d.  Why would G-d do such a thing?

For a moment think about all the times you may have heard of a clergyman saying something like, "children are afflicted with autism because...(insert whatever foolish comment you like).  Obvious question--so, you know the thoughts of an infinite being? Whatever the reason for a challenge a child may have, it is certainly not intended as a punishment to the child.

In Moses' case, for those of you who accept, to whatever degree, sources outside the Old Testament, it was a result of an angel pushing Moses' hand to grab fiery coals instead of jewels when Pharoh tested the intentions of the young Moses.  As a result, he put his burnt fingers to his tongue in an attempt to relieve the pain.  Instead, he burnt his tongue.  From that moment on, he speech was flawed.

So, why was such a work as the Torah transmitted through a person of flawed speech whose best known trait is that of supreme humility?

After thinking about it for a long while, it seems to be this:  Before you think only an innately superior person can achieve greatness -- think again.  Worse yet, Moses at certain points, must rely on his brother Aaron, to communicate G-d's wishes.  In the end, his flaw does nothing to prevent him from achieving greatness.  In fact, he achieves greatness precisely because he is aware he is a flawed human being.

Moses takes all the excuses away.  You want to be great?  And you would be if only for (insert whatever excuse you care to insert here)?  No excuses.

Lesson:  Keep your eyes on the ones whom you have judged to be lesser creations, lesser beings.  It is they who shall rise to greatness.  This a recurring theme overlooked by most.

Don't believe me?  Here is one more fella for you.

There is this boy. He goes out in the fields to tend to animals, to sing and play a music, to get away from people so he can be spiritual (You know what I mean, man).  Sounds like the boy might be on the autism spectrum, you say?  He is so detached from his family his father forgets he even exists when a visitor to the home comes over wanting to meet all the children.

Got the picture?  Not a very good one, you may agree.

Well, this is one way of looking at David, son of Jesse, King, prophet, poet, musician, and worrier.

All special needs children have the potential for greatness.  They just need someone to speak for them  once in a while.

So, here we go.  We, together, are Speaking for Moses!

More to come...