Only One Was Called, But We Were All Chosen:

The nature of Moshe's communication with God was affected by his role as intermediary and representative of the people.

The last lines of the book of Exodus have Moses placing the finishing touches on the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is enveloped in clouds with the presence of the Holy One emanating from its center. Moses is prevented from entering because the clouds indicate that the Holy One's presence is there in full glory. Then the next book, Leviticus/Vayikra, opens with God's inaugural meeting with Moses.

Leviticus 1:1

"And He called to Moses, and God spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting saying..."

Rashi on Leviticus 1:1

"Every time God spoke to Moses, he was welcomed by this calling which was a term of endearment. It was the same language used by the ministering angels for they too, 'called one to the other...' (Isaiah)...And the voice went to Moses alone for Israel was unable to hear the sound... Yet, everything God said to Moses for thirty-eight years was for the sake of Israel. It was only after the generation of the spies--those who were afraid to conquer the land of Israel--had died that God spoke to Moses for his sake alone. As it is written, "After all the people from the generation of the war had passed, God spoke to me." (Deuteronomy 2:16)

Your Rashi Navigator

1. What problem in the text is Rashi addressing?

2. How does he answer it?
3. Rashi says that God's calling Moses to the tent was done in an endearing manner, but God's actual words were incredibly harsh, how do you understand this contrast?
4. What allows God to finally have a conversation with Moses?
5. Why does this make a difference?

A Word