Bitul and Kabalas Ol
A further prerequisite to our receiving the Torah is that of bitul (self-nullification or selflessness) and kabalas ol (unequivocal commitment). Thus we find that the Jewish people eagerly accepted the yoke of Heaven at Sinai, by prefacing their declaration of nishmah (“We will hear and comprehend Your commandments”) with na’aseh (“We will perform them unquestioningly”).
Similarly, in our own annual preparation for receiving the Torah, we should utilize the days leading up to Shavuos to ingrain within our characters the qualities of bitul and kabalas ol.
Why a Wilderness?
The prerequisite of bitul and kabalas ol – receiving the Torah by prefacing nishmah (“We will hear”) with na’aseh (“We will do”) – is reflected in this week’s Torah portion, the portion always read before Shavuos – Parshas Bamidbar (midbar means “a wilderness”). One of the reasons for specifically giving the Torah in a wilderness – “upon which everyone tramples” – is to stress how bitul is necessary in order to merit receiving the Torah.
Supernal Wilderness
On a deeper level, the self-nullification of preceding na’aseh to nishmah does not merely involve our subservience to the Will of G-d (as expressed in Torah and Mitzvos). Rather, it indicates bitul to the Possessor of that Will – for, naturally, G-d Himself transcends His Will (the Torah and Mitzvos). This, then, is the concept of the “wilderness” seen in a positive, advantageous light. Within each person, the “wilderness” alludes to his innermost essence that transcends the many parts and faculties of which he is comprised. This “wilderness” is considered “uninhabitable” because it transcends all human faculties (even the most sublime spiritual tier – one’s desire and will). Now, G-d’s “desire and will” is His Torah and Mitzvos. So the “wilderness” in this case is G-d’s Essence – totally “uninhabitable” due to its transcendence.
In conclusion: The “wilderness” actually represents, not the Torah (G-d’s Will), but the source of the Torah; as it is stated, the Torah was given to us “as a gift from the Wilderness.”
