If Beha’alotecha teaches us anything, it is that human beings can survive slavery, witness miracles, receive Divine revelation, eat food delivered directly from Heaven and still find something to complain about.

Actually, scratch that.

The Jewish people can survive slavery, witness miracles, receive Divine revelation, eat food delivered directly from Heaven and still find something to complain about.

Let’s at least take ownership of our gifts.

The parashah begins magnificently. The Menorah is lit. The Levi’im are inaugurated. The nation is organized. There are clouds of glory, silver trumpets, Divine guidance and an entire people moving purposefully towards their destiny.

It lasts about five minutes.

Then the complaints begin.

Not specific complaints.

The Torah records that the people complained in Hashem’s ears.

Apparently, it wasn’t important.

The complaint itself was the point.

Which feels uncomfortably familiar.

Spend ten minutes on social media, in a community WhatsApp group, or trapped at a family simcha with relatives who regard joy as a dangerous gateway drug, and you begin to appreciate the timelessness of Torah.

The Israelites then begin reminiscing........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)