Thinking Torah Blog

This week we begin the Book of Leviticus, Vayikra. The very first verse opens with “Vayikra El Moshe…”—in English, “And God called to Moses.” Rashi, the 11th-century French commentator, notices that it says “called,” rather than the more common phrase “spoke.” He explains, “This implies that the Voice continued and reached only Moses’s ears, while all other Israelites did not hear it.”

I love how Rashi draws attention to this subtle difference. He suggests that something special happens in this moment. Instead of the usual formula “And God spoke to Moses,” God specifically calls to Moses, implying a unique, personal invitation.

I believe each of us has our own access to that Divine call. God calls out to us all the time—sometimes we notice, sometimes we’re too distracted, and sometimes we simply prefer not to listen. Yet in some way, each of us hears God’s voice. Perhaps our task in life is to decipher what that voice is asking of us.

What do you think God might be saying to you today?