Hashem’s Seeming Insensitivity to Moshe Rabbeinu
Congregation Shaarei Orah’s Menachem Bestoff and Joel Mizrahi raised a poignant question. They noted that Hashem seems exceedingly insensitive to Moshe Rabbeinu on the day of his death.
At the end of parshat Haazinu (Devarim 32:48-52), Hashem instructs Moshe Rabbeinu to ascend Har Nevo, where he will die. While this is a sad but necessary directive, Hashem reminds Moshe Rabbeinu that he will die before Am Yisrael enters Eretz Yisrael, due to his sin at Mei Meriva. Why did Hashem remind Moshe Rabeinu of this profoundly painful point on the eve of his leaving this world? Moshe Rabbeinu was keenly aware of his mistakenly hitting the rock. Why did Hashem remind Moshe Rabbeinu of this painful event? Moshe Rabbeinu’s greatest ambition is to lead us to Eretz Yisrael, and he is denied his greatest dream because of this failure. Hashem seems to be rubbing salt into a very delicate wound by raising this sore point!
Hashem’s Last Test for Moshe Rabbeinu
Menachem, Joel and I agreed (the Ohr HaChaim articulates a similar idea at the beginning of parshat Vezot Habracha) that Hashem was testing Moshe Rabbeinu. Hashem tested Moshe Rabbeinu to see if he would bestow a full-hearted blessing to Am Yisrael despite contributing to Moshe Rabbeinu’s fall at Mei Meriva. Moshe Rabbeinu is keenly aware of our contribution to his error. In Devarim 1:38, he states that Hashem denies him entry into Eretz Yisrael “Biglalchem” (because of us).
Moshe Rabbeinu passes this test with flying colors. Despite this devastating reminder, Moshe Rabbeinu delivers a magnificent bracha to each shevet and the nation. No wonder why, in parshat Vezot Habracha, the Torah—for the first time—describes Moshe Rabbeinu as an “Ish Elokim,” a Godly man. Moshe Rabbeinu’s emotional self-control inspires. He transcends his feelings, and on his last day on earth, his exclusive focus is wholeheartedly blessing our people. This astonishing emotional management is the mark of an “Ish Elokim,” a man of God.
A Tikkun for Losing His Composure at Mei Meriva
Menachem, Joel and I suggested that Moshe Rabbeinu’s extraordinary self-control serves as a —tikkun (correction) for losing his composure at Mei Meriva, saying, “Shimu na hamorimListen, you rebels.” Thus, we understand why Hashem provokes Moshe Rabbeinu with a deathbed reminder of Mei Meriva. Hashem allowed Moshe Rabbeinu to correct the mistake he made at Mei Meriva.
Binyamin Jachter’s Question
My older son Binyamin, though, questioned our approach. If Moshe Rabbeinu corrected his anger, he should be eligible to enter Eretz Yisrael. A response is that Hashem had already sealed Moshe Rabbeinu’s fate (Devarim 3:27). Hashem even forbade Moshe Rabbeinu from ever raising this issue again. Thus, Moshe Rabbeinu’s ban from Eretz Yisrael was irreversible.
However, Moshe Rabbeinu’s tikkun lets him cleanse his neshama by restraining his anger in a similarly stressful moment. Now that Moshe Rabbeinu has passed this test, he can enter the next world completely purified.
Conclusion
The Ramban (Shemot 20:16) asserts that Hashem tests everyone, bar none. These tests/nisyonot are constant and persist to one’s last breath.
Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik noted that Moses’ grandest title is, “Moshe Rabbeinu—Moses, our teacher.” On the last day of his life, Moshe Rabbeinu exemplifies emotional self-mastery and overlooking angst in favor of community needs, even on the day of death.
Rabbi Jachter serves as the rav of Congregation Shaarei Orah, rebbe at Torah Academy of Bergen County and a get administrator with the Beth Din of Elizabeth. Rabbi Jachter’s 18 books may be purchased at Amazon and Judaica House.
