Parshas Bahaloscha 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
עשה לך שתי חצוצרת כסף ... ובהקהיל את הקהל תתקעו ולא תריעו (י-ב,ז)
In this week’s sedra, we are introduced to the חצוצרות, the trumpets, which served many functions. To gather the nation to travel, or during warfare. Rashi comments that when Hashem told Moshe the words "עשה לך" in our captioned posuk, the "לך" was saying that these were made specifically and exclusively for Moshe’s use, and after Moshe’s petira, they were to be buried. Even Yehoshua, the next manhig, couldn’t use them.
The Satmar Rebbe, R’ Yoilish Teitelbaum zt”l and R’ Yechezkel Abramsky zt”l explain this significance. Each and every generation has its unique challenges. Consequently, the job of each respective leader differs from generation to generation. What worked for one leader in shepherding his flock might not be the same style or manner required for the following generation(s). The techniques, tactics, and yes, even methods of chinuch are forever evolving, and the leaders of that period must address the unique needs and concerns of their flock. What worked in the past, may not work today. With much help from Above, they will be matzliach in providing the klal’s needs.
The posuk says, "ובהקהיל את הקהל תתקעו ולא תריעו". When gathering the kehillah, a leader must “blow a tekiah” and not a teruah. Homiletically, perhaps we can explain this as follows. When leading a tzibbur, use the “tekiah-like” method: straight, strong and yashrusdik, like a tekiah. Avoid any krumkeit and don’t look to “drei” out of responsibility.
The posuk then doubles down and adds: and not a teruah, which is a broken, fragmented chinuch. As parents and mechanchim, the examples we show our charges, must be solid, straight and above all consistent! If we attempt to teach our children and talmidim in a haphazard or fragmented way, it will result in haphazard or fragmented charges.
With this in mind, and in tefillah to אבינו שבשמים, we should all merit much nachas from the younger generations!