What Do You Think?
Why Didn't G-d Hire a Location Manager?

This week's Torah reading is called Bamidbar, "in the desert." It's always read before holiday of Shavuot. The connection is obvious—after all, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah, an event that transpired in the Sinai Desert.

Ask any film producer and he or she will tell you that one of the toughest aspects of production is the preparation of the set. Countless hours are spent planning every detail, building facades, choosing props, and finding a suitable location.

The same reason why we would never pick Sinai is the reason why G‑d chose itSimilarly, presidential candidates put much thought into selecting the venue at which they will appear to announce their candidacy and campaign. What message will he or she send by the choice to speak in that particular place? Will that selection garner maximum support?

With that in mind, is it not surprising that G‑d chose to present Himself to the Jewish nation and give the Ten Commandments in the desert of all places? Why did our mission start in no man's land? What's up with the desert?

G‑d certainly knew of the travel magazines' "100 best locations to vacation," of the beautiful beaches of Maui and the majestic Alps. Why, then, was the Torah given in a hot desert in middle of the summer? Surely this most dramatic moment in history warranted a more impressive backdrop!

Yet the explanation lies within the question itself. For the same reason why we would never pick Sinai – its simplicity, dullness and emptiness – is the reason why G‑d chose it.

A desert is a no-show for human life, cattle and produce, a desolate area where almost nothing can live. A vast expanse of barren land, rendering it a least desirable topographic area.

G‑d gave us the Torah there to teach us that our job is to transform a world which is a spiritual desert, lacking morals, ethics and humility, into a world of Torah and peace.

And more personally speaking: At times we find ourselves in a moral Sinai, when our life seems empty and dull, uninspiring, depressing and barren. There, specifically there, the Torah must enter and push us back out of the rut.

Torah is not only for the synagogue. It is for the desert as well.

Or, better yet: specifically for the desert.