Parshat Bamidbar, the first parsha of the new sefer, often read right before Shavout, sets the stage for Bnei Yisrael’s journey through the Midbar – the desert, wilderness. The Mechilta (Yitro: Bachodesh 1) shares the connection between the Parsha and upcoming celebration of Matan Torah being juxtaposed as the Torah was given publicly, openly, and in a place no one owns so that anyone could lay claim to it. Another reason for the Torah being given in the wilderness was to provide us an everlasting fundamental insight into the psychological concept of adaptability.
Psychological adaptability refers to the capacity of individuals to effectively adjust their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in response to new, changing, or uncertain circumstances. It encompasses a range of skills and attributes that allow a person to cope with and thrive amidst life's challenges and transitions. A desert is an extreme environment leading to constant change: searing heat during the day, freezing cold at night, scarcity of water, and unpredictable terrain. Surviving in such a harsh environment requires adaptability.
Matan Torah occurring in the wilderness reminds us that the Torah can survive, thrive, and flourish in any environment, as long that there is flexibility for change. We as human beings too can internalize the learnings of the Torah through our ability to adapt to our circumstances and receive it. American author John Maxwell said "The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails."
Midrash Rabbah tells us that the Torah was given via three elements: fire, water, and wilderness. In explaining the connection to wilderness the Midrash continues that anyone who does not make themselves ownerless like the wilderness cannot acquire the wisdom and the Torah. The Gemarah in Eruvin (54:a) expounds that making oneself ownerless relates to humbling ourselves and being open to receive what comes to us. On the other hand, we are also tasked with being strong and true to our principles, and unwavering faith in Hashem. Homiletically, being an owner to our principles but adaptable to the process in which we achieve our goals, makes us perfect vehicles to receive the Torah.
Three tips to becoming more psychologically adaptable:
- Embracing Growth: Sometimes it might feel as if you are being buried, but that might instead be planting – just waiting to sprout. Viewing setbacks as growth encourages our openness to new learning.
- Perfecting your Views: Its not hard to make choices when you know what your values are. Once we have focused views, adjusting to change can we as easy as resetting our course towards our views.
- Harnessing Flexibility: Learn to recognize what is counterproductive and holding rigidity. Practice letting go of things and adapt our approach when circumstances change.
Parshat Bamidbar reminds us that the desert, with all its harshness, was the crucible in which the Bnei Yisrael received the Torah and transformed. By embracing adaptability, we too can navigate our own deserts, emerging stronger and more resilient. Just as the Torah was given in the wilderness, we can find wisdom and guidance in our most challenging times, leading us to personal and communal growth.
Elan Javanfard, M.A., L.M.F.T. is a Consulting Psychotherapist focused on behavioral health redesign, a Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University, & a lecturer related to Mindfulness, Evidence Based Practices, and Suicide Prevention. Elan is the author of Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha & Psychology, weekly blog. He lives in Los Angeles Pico Robertson community with his wife and three children and can be reached at Elan.Javanfard@gmail.com.