Parshas Bamidbar 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- May 14
- 2 min read
שאו את ראש כל עדת בני ישראל למשפחתם לבית אבתם ... (א-ב)
MASHAL: In the town of Radin, a local Yid passed away and the talmidim of the Chofetz Chaim zt”l, wishing to spare him unnecessary distress, decided to withhold the sad news, reasoning that since the deceased was merely a “simple Jew,” there was no need to trouble the great Rav with the misfortune.
Time passed, and the Chofetz Chaim eventually noticed the man’s absence in shul. When he asked about this, the students finally revealed that the man had died some time ago. The tzaddik was visibly bothered by their silence and asked why they had kept it a secret. The students explained their rationale: they hadn’t wanted to burden him, assuming a simple fellow wouldn’t be of great significance to him.
The Chofetz Chaim’s response completely reframed their perspective on life and challenges. Gently reprimanding them, he explained how we don’t know who is great in the Next World. Only Hashem knows who is truly great. While earthly status might deceive us, suffering purifies a soul. Because this man had endured many hardships, he was cleansed of his sins and rightfully earned the title of a tzaddik, a righteous person.
The Chofetz Chaim continued to express deep regret, insisting that it would have been an honor for him to attend the funeral of such a hidden, righteous individual.
NIMSHAL: Parshas Bamidbar begins with a census, counting every individual by name to demonstrate that each Jew is precious to Hashem. While some carry an exalted reputation, others may possess hidden greatness and a “simple” man,” as reflected in the parsha, may not be so simple after all. Every Jewish soul is a vital, irreplaceable part of the nation.