Revelation (when G-d reveals) is a direct encounter with the divine--something that normally can't be seen, heard, or perceived by our senses. In this case, the revelation is so awesome/fearsome that the Children of Israel ask Moses to act as an intermediary.
Questions for discussion:
- What kinds of interpersonal revelations have you witnessed in your own life? Have you ever seen someone reveal something that is usually hidden?
- Trusting others with pieces of our selves that we usually hide can be challenging--but it usually brings us closer. Is trust part of the human-divine relationship?
The Children of Israel respond to G-d's commandments with "We will do and we will hear," setting up a core aspect of Judaism - that ritual and ethical action comes before understanding.
Questions for discussion:
- Have you ever engaged in a ritual or practice without understanding it? Have you ever discovered the meanings of a practice only after engaging in it?
- In what ways do you think engaging in rituals or practices can be considered seeking divine presence?
As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines. Such decline is an alarming symptom of our state of mind. Mankind will not perish for want of information; but only for want of appreciation. The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding that life without wonder is not worth living. What we lack is not a will to believe but a will to wonder.
Awareness of the divine begins with wonder...
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, God in Search of Man
In this text describing Heschel's concept of "radical amazement," he begins with a criticism about advances in knowledge and information leading to lack of wonder. Heschel believed that connection to the divine was found in this state of openness, appreciation, and questioning.
Questions for discussion:
- Do you agree that increased knowledge is connected to decreased spirituality?