Many people assume that the source of the widely used medical symbol of a snake on a staff is the Rod of Asclepius. I’d say that the source of that serpent-entwined staff in Greek Mythology itself is from this week’s Torah portion. On a side note, one argument that is presented as Biblical criticism always seemed strange to me. The argument that the stories of the Torah can’t be true because all these other ancient traditions incorporated similar stories. To me that always seemed to argue for, rather than against, the veracity of Torah. It seems to me, that if a truly impactful event took place, we would find record of it in other sources too. Doesn’t the popularity of the stories that reflect biblical events, point to their historicity? Whatever the case, the story in the week’s Torah portion is instructive: As a result of the Israelites yet again voicing their discontent with G-d’s plan for them, venomous snakes attacked. Anyone who was bitten would rapidly die. Moses fashioned a snake on a staff and whoever was bitten but looked at the staff would be healed. The commentaries point out that it wasn’t viewing the snake on the staff per se that cause healing, rather when they looked upward toward the staff they were reminded of G-d. Their repentance is what saved them. The lesson is an important one, and doctors and their patients today should keep this in mind. G-d is the one who causes the illness and it is ultimately G-d who heals too. The doctor is a simple messenger. Doctors often get a little too confident in their ability to heal; sometimes they need to remember with Whom they are partnering in their important work. This lesson is not only for doctors and it’s not only with regards to healing. In every area of our life; the key to success and a healthy balance is remembering our partnership with G-d. This keeps us engaged but not overwhelmed. This enables us to maintain a healthy level of involvement but allows us to maintain our priorities.
ב"ה