The Path to Truth: Learning from Moshe on Simchat Torah

We have just completed the pathway of the Tishrei holidays whose purpose is to provide us with a strong foundation for the coming year. The process of Teshuva fixes and strengthens our relationships with others and with God, and Sukkot gives us an appreciation for all that we have, including – in agricultural times – our crops. The culmination of it all for us is Simchat Torah. Torah is the guide for how to use all we have in the coming year and how best to live.

During the dancing on Simchat Torah we yell “Moshe Emet v’Torato Emet,” “Moshe is truth, and his Torah is true.” Yet, the characteristic Moshe was known for is not truth, but humility. Why do we ascribe truth to Moshe, and why do we bother to include his character at all? Why not just say the Torah is true?

I think the answer is that how we approach the Torah can be as important as its contents. The phrase is teaching us that indeed the Book is true, but we also must be true to understand it correctly. How do we do that? As Moshe did: through humility. Humility is the key to understanding things correctly, because it gives us the ability to see other points of view. As Jews, we study Torah in pairs, not alone. When we study alone we are always correct, but when we study with others – if we can hear their views – we may realize that our’s is not entirely correct. The open-mindedness which results from humility can lead to truth. Thus, even though Moshe’s main characteristic is humility, this brings truth and a truthful Torah.

May we all be blessed with a year of studying Torah, hearing and appreciating others, and finding truth.