When G-d Popped In for Dinner

“…and Moses and his father-in-law Jethro sat down for a meal …. in front of G-d…?” What is being conveyed here by pointing this out? Is eating a meal an activity that excludes G-d's presence? If so, does G-d require a special invite to show up for dinner? Theologically speaking, is there ANY activity that can even take place outside of G-d's omnipotence that wouldn’t automatically call it into question? And if so, then why the need for the special invite? Isn’t it like inviting the bride and groom to their own wedding, knowing that there would BE no wedding without them?

I am less interested in “answers” to this question per se. I think the answers are there for the taking. I’m intrigued by the way this and similar queries, posed more existentially, and less academically, can be experienced somewhat prayerfully.

Is a question about eating in the presence of G-d, posed spiritually, not simply the expression of a deeper layer of our desire for oneness? If the act of eating can become the crucible where “bread of the earth,” (consumed with mindful purposefulness through reciting blessings) is transformed into “Bread of Heaven” (“before G-d”), then does not the scope and extent of relationality between man and G-d itself expand exponentially?

Reading and thinking about a Torah portion featuring the “Giving of the Torah” without framing it by the need to understand the nature of the boundaries between man and G-d is akin to leaving a precious gift unopened.

G-d himself seems to be testing those boundaries. On one hand, eager to connect to the people, while at the same time cautioning Moses numerous times to keep the people at the foot of the mountain from “getting too close.”

I suppose the question is also one of balance. Plainly put, when is too much religion too much? I'm afraid that once we have to ask that question we might have missed the whole point. If we feel compelled to divide our lives up into different categories labeled “me” and “G-d,” then I would say ANY religion is too much.

One approach might be to liken the presence of G-d in one's life to the presence of one's own mind in life. While no one doubts the need to “get out of our head” at times, one can’t simply detach entirely from one's brain… etc. Conversely, the mind is not intruding when it does show up, nor is it offended if one needs a gentle reminder now and then to use it.

This is simply the beginning of an important and fun conversation that I hope you continue on your own and with your loved ones this weekend.