ONE MORE TIME

  In case you’ve forgotten our history, Moshe was kind enough to begin a review.  He started today’s lecture with veiled references to our colored past.   For example, instead of merely reminding us of the debacle of the golden calf, he simply referred to the event by the geographical name, “Di Zahav.” Also, instead of mentioning the episode of the Korach, he again referred to the place “Chazerot.” And the references go on.  So we asked Moshe why he used these veiled references rather than just referring directly to the act.    Moshe explained that he did it for many reasons.  “First of all,” Moshe said, “the people who are alive today are not necessarily the ones that were involved in the crimes.  So if I were to blame you for the golden calf, you could claim, “I wasn’t there” or “I wasn’t involved, so he can’t be talking to me.”  Or worse, “He’s talking about ancient history.  We’re much more mature and sophisticated today.  We would never fall victim to those crimes today.  Why does he always have to bring up the past?”   This way, I save one the embarrassment of the past and gently remind you that we are all susceptible to sins of this nature.  After all, your parents actually witnessed the miracles in Egypt and at the Reed Sea.  They were part of the revelation at Sinai, and with all of that, they still fell victim to the crimes of idolatry and sexual perversion.  

  If they, who had witnessed so much, could fall into that trap, how much more will you, the next generation, and even more so the future generations.” 

QUESTIONING MOSHE’S ABILITY

  Moshe wanted to squelch any rumors pertaining to his lack of ability to lead us to Canaan.  He wanted to make it quite clear that if it were not for the desecration of Hashem’s name at the waters of Meribah, he would indeed be leading us home.  How did he prove this?  He reminded all of his naysayers that with Hashem’s help, of course, he was the one instrumental in the wars against Sichon and Og.  It was Moshe who single handedly defeated the giant Og.  Both kings were warriors in their own right, yet Moshe defeated both of them.  Based upon these victories, there could be no question that the kings that are shaking in their sandals on the other side of the Jordan River would not be easy prey to our esteemed leader.  But alas, people, especially our leaders, must pay for their crimes and Moshe’s punishment is to die on this side of the Jordan.

I CAN’T DO THIS ALONE

Those who attended were puzzled because for the most part, everything said thus far was critical of our actions, yet this was directed towards him.  And then he said the last part, namely that we were glad about this development.  Ordinarily this would be a positive aspect, we all want justice.  But Moshe insinuated that it was just the opposite.  We were happy because instead of learning from the teacher, we opted to learn from his students.  Furthermore, whenever we were in danger of losing the case, we would claim to have other witnesses, thus tying up the justice system.  Basically, we used the new system to our advantage and this was the rebuke.

  Listening to Moshe, I had to ask myself, “Do we have any redeeming characteristics?  Won’t we ever learn?”  Maybe that‘s all Moshe wants… for us to think about our past and to repair all of those breaches.

 WE’RE LIKE THE STARS