Parshas Devarim
Harsh Hugs
The book of Dvarim that we begin reading this Shabat is the most “human”
of all of the five books of the Torah. The words of Moshe that came from
him are his assessment of the Jewish people that he loves and has led for
forty years. Many of the words that he will utter are hard words, even
harsh words. The Hebrew word dvarim indicates strong and tough words.
Moshe here is employing what in our current society is called “tough
love.” At the very time that he complains of the contentiousness and
stubbornness of the people, he blesses them and wishes that they increase
one thousand fold. I think that it is this attitude that marks all great
Jewish leaders who have emulated Moshe throughout Jewish history. How to
love a people and yet be objective in assessing its faults and
shortcomings, without that assessment in any way diminishing one’s love
for that people is a formidable emotional task. Yet Moshe showed the way
in this regard and it is the path followed by all later prophets and true
leaders of Israel. Moshe’s concern and love for Israel is so apparent that
he need not seek to curry favor or popularity with the people. The people
of Israel realize that Moshe is on their side and that he is not out to
demonize them or aggrandize himself at their expense. Therefore he remains
as the great teacher and leader of Israel through all of the ages.
Moshe’s career as a leader of Israel was marked by his selflessness. The
Torah characterizes his as the humblest of all human beings. Moshe has no
personal agenda to advance. He is beyond the petty corruptions that
destroy a people’s confidence in its leaders. I would say that this is his
strongest asset in his leadership qualities. The people therefore realize
that his love for Israel is unconditional. It is from this base of
personal integrity and emotional stability that Moshe’s words of criticism
and correction resonate within the society of Israel. The rabbis of the
Talmud therefore stated: “Better the words criticism from someone who
loves you (Moshe) than the compliments and blandishments from someone who
is your enemy (Bilaam)” In a false and deceitful world, honesty and
integrity mean much more than fine speeches and false commitments. It
should be noted that the words of Moshe were not meant for his generation
and listeners alone. If that were the case, then they would not be
included in the eternal Torah. Moshe addresses eternal faults and problems
that are inherent in the Jewish people and in fact in all human society.
People are by nature nudniks, burdensome and quarrelsome. By making us
aware of this ongoing human failing, Moshe intends to lead us out of the
wilderness that such attitudes create. We would do well to hear his words,
learn his lessons and attempt to profit greatly from his teachings and
personal example. There arose none like Moshe again amongst the people of
Israel.
Shabat shalom.
Rabbi Berel Wein
Text Copyright © 2005 by Rabbi Berel Wein and Torah.org
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