Why isn't anyone talking about this?

Imagine sitting in a classroom, but instead of PowerPoint slides or textbooks, the teacher is holding live animals. That’s exactly what Moses did in the desert when teaching the Jewish people the laws of kosher food. He didn’t just describe which animals were permitted and which were forbidden. He showed them—pointing to each creature and saying, “This one you may eat, and this one you may not.” The Torah emphasizes this with the word “zot” (this), which indicates something being shown directly.

This should raise an obvious question: Where did all these animals come from? The Jewish people were in the middle of the wilderness—a vast, barren desert. Yet, somehow, Moses had access to every kind of animal, bird, fish, and even insects to demonstrate the laws of kosher. Animals from across the world appeared before Moses so he could teach the laws of kosher in the clearest, most tangible way possible.

Yet, curiously, the Torah and its commentaries barely mention this miracle. Why? When we read about Noah’s Ark, the miraculous gathering of animals is described in detail. But here, the miracle is almost an afterthought. What’s the difference?

The answer lies in understanding the Torah’s perspective on miracles. When a miracle is needed to save the world, like during the flood, it’s emphasized because it highlights G-d’s intervention in preserving life. But when the miracle is for the sake of Torah learning, it’s considered so natural and necessary that it doesn’t even require special attention. The miracle of animals assembling for Moses was simply part of the process of teaching Torah—because for something as significant as Torah learning, no effort is too great. It is thus accepted across the board as a normal, run-of-the-mill event.

This story teaches us an incredible lesson about priorities. In our fast-paced, achievement-driven world, it’s easy to focus on material success, personal goals, or even solving immediate crises. But the Torah reminds us that the highest priority, the most transformative force in our lives, is spiritual growth and connection to G-d through learning and living by Torah values.

Think about the lengths G-d went to just so the Jewish people could fully understand the laws of kosher. Entire species showed up in the desert! This underscores the extraordinary value of Torah study—it’s not just an ancient practice; it’s the key to living a meaningful life.

In practical terms, this means carving out time to engage with Torah, even when life feels overwhelming. It means recognizing that every word of Torah we learn, every mitzvah we fulfill, is more significant than we can imagine. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about aligning our lives with something eternal and infinitely meaningful.

For parents and educators, the example of Moses is especially powerful. He didn’t just lecture; he made the laws of kosher come alive in a way the people could see and understand. In the same way, we’re called to make Judaism real and relatable for the next generation. Whether it’s through stories, hands-on activities, or simply living our values authentically, we can show how Torah isn’t just a set of rules—it’s a vibrant, living guide to a fulfilling life.

This principle also applies to how we approach challenges. Often, we feel the need for miracles—whether it’s a solution to a problem, success in our work, or clarity in our relationships. This story reminds us that miracles happen most naturally when they’re aligned with spiritual goals. When we prioritize Torah and our connection to G-d, we tap into a deeper flow of divine assistance.

The miracle of Moses teaching kosher laws wasn’t just about identifying which animals to eat. It was about demonstrating the unparalleled value of Torah in our lives. It’s a reminder that no matter where we are or what we’re facing, the Torah is there to guide us—not just as a book of laws, but as a source of clarity, purpose, and inspiration.

So as we navigate our own “deserts,” let’s remember that the same G-d who brought animals to Moses can bring us the wisdom and resources we need to fulfill our mission. All we have to do is make Torah our priority. When we do, the miracles we need will follow naturally—just as they did for Moses and the Jewish people in the wilderness.