Learning to Speak: George VI and Moses

In Torah, we read about Moses, who reluctantly accepted the mission of redeeming our people.

Moses flatly told Hashem that he wasn’t up to the task. Now a question: what excuse could Moses possibly have used with the Creator of heaven and earth?

He said he was heavy of speech. According to tradition, Moses stammered. We don’t know if that was the case, just that he was reluctant to speak: he didn’t think he could.

A recent Oscar nominee, The Kings Speech, describes a reluctant king, George VI of the United Kingdom. There are interesting parallels between the story of Moses and the British king:
• Neither wanted the job
• Both understood they were obligated to accept the job
• Both Moses and King George were brought up in royal courts
• Both men came to their careers at the time of historical crises: for the king, WWII was breaking out; for Moses, Egyptian slavery had become intolerable to both the people of Israel and to Hashem
• Neither was born to his mission – Moses had no idea that God would call on him; George VI had an older brother who was destined to be king
• And both had trouble speaking. George VI, known as Bertie, definitely stammered.

Neither one could possibly fulfill his mission if he couldn’t speak.

The story of King George certainly doesn’t have the religious meaning and depth of the story of Moses. Still, The King’s Speech is a compelling story of a person who took great risks to overcome serious obstacles. One obstacle is learning to speak; the other obstacle? Finding his humanity.

At this point, I should issue a spoiler alert. However, this is history.

Bertie didn’t start out as the world’s most likeable person. After all, Bertie was raised in a royal court. He only knew a world of privilege and title. He had a sense of entitlement – because he was entitled… to so much.

Now, compare this to Moses. His first trip out of the royal palace led him to encounter his enslaved Jewish brethren. His anger at their condition led Moses to kill the taskmaster and flee for his life.

Bertie had no such experience. He didn’t know how to be a “real” person. Therefore, humility wasn’t his strong suit.

Bertie’s speech impediment embarrassed him no end. Seeking help also embarrassed him no end.

Bertie’s wife Elizabeth took matters into her own hands. She’d watched her husband go from therapist to therapist and still, get no relief. She’d watched – and shared – his abject fear every time he spoke in public.

Without telling her husband, Elizabeth visited a speech therapist who used unorthodox methods. Her love and support proved crucial to her husband’s growth.

Critical to the process: the patience and skill of the therapist, Lionel Logue. He took on a difficult patient for whom the stakes were really high!

Without going into much detail – I hope you see the movie! – Bertie embarked upon a difficult process of growth and learning.

An important component of the movie: we see fantasies shredded: the life of royalty may seem fantastic, but its difficulties overshadowed any so-called glamour.

George VI had little control over the shape of his life. He didn’t want to be king. When his elder brother abdicated the throne, Bertie had no choice. He had to be king.

As with all of us, we often come to life events we cannot control. It’s often difficult, but often, the only thing we can manage is … our response—our attitude.

We can give up… or rise to great challenge.

For George VI, hostilities were breaking out with Hitler. The timing couldn’t be worse. His speaking difficulties loomed even greater.

A king has to speak.

Mr. Logue became the first “commoner” that Bertie had known. They became close friends. And Logue remained his lifelong coach.

George VI did learn to speak because of his:
• Supportive wife
• Amazing coach
• Personal courage in facing obstacles.
• And sense of duty to something far greater than himself

During WWII, King George VI became a tower of strength and comfort for his people during WWII.

For Bertie, the task was difficult, yet through an incredible act of courage and will, he overcame tremendous obstacles.

The story of Moses learning to speak … of King George learning to speak … isn’t just a story about famous people.

We can apply these lessons to ourselves.

For both of these men, speaking wasn’t just a matter of diction.

They had to learn to speak to minds and hearts.

To accomplish this, they had to overcome their own fears.

Perhaps most difficult of all, they had to humble themselves in order to grow.

For both Moses and King George, heavy obstacles provided opportunities for incredible growth.

We can learn and be inspired by both of these men who lived in very different worlds.

We don’t have to let our “flaws” define us. We don’t have to let obstacles deter us from accomplishment.

If we are to grow, we must serve a higher good – one that is found in community – and with God.

And finally, a highly recommend this movie!

B'shalom u'vrachah,in peace and blessing,

Rabbi Shaina Bacharach