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Elul In Ellul 5510 (September 1740) R' Yonassan Aibshitz who was the Rav of Prague, became the Rav of the most important community in the time - the joined communities of Altona, Wurtzburg and Hamburg. Within a year he would establish his Yeshiva which served to provide the leaders of Jewry for the next generations. Just as in his previous position R' Yonassan became known amongst the non Jews for his brilliance and insight. Regularly he would be invited for discussions with the leading clergy and aristocracy of area. The Bishop of Altona was especially close with him and once asked. "Moshe your teacher claims in the Torah to have stayed on Har Sinai for Forty days and nights without food or drink (9-9). Perhaps he was lying? After all we know that the Bnai Yisroel were prohibited from approaching Har Sinai. He probably had placed some food there from which he survived." Answered R' Yonassan, "Moshe wrote in the Torah details of his birth and his parentage. If he was a liar he need not have mentioned the details and could have claimed to be borne from the Holy Spirit in a miraculous way! In addition, Moshe wrote about his death - stating it - then hiding his place of burial. Had he wished, he could have claimed to be resurrected and no longer dead! Or he could have detailed his burial place so that it became a place of pilgrimage for the Jewish people. Moshe did none of this, and this is proof how he was not interested in self aggrandisement, but only to serve Hashem. R' Chaim the Rav of Sanz would always seek the benefit of doubt concerning others. His understanding of a true Tzadik was an individual who would not see sins in others but would see the problem in himself if others were not acting properly. He brought a proof from a passuk in this weeks Sedra. "You have always been rebelling against Hashem from the day which I knew you" (9-24). Is it possible that Moshe, the most modest of all men, should speak so roughly to the Jewish people? Rather Moshe was saying that your knowing me is what brought about your rebelliousness against Hashem!! One of R' Yisroel Salanter's students told him of his severe financial plight and his need to find a job. R' Yisroel asked his, "Why not become a Rabbi?" "Rebbe, I am afraid I might give an incorrect ruling." replied the disciple. "Who then should become a Rabbi?" asked R' Yisroel. "Some one who is so sure of himself that he is not afraid of ruling incorrectly?" |
