Parshas Devarim (Chazon) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
אלה הדברים אשר דבר משה אל כל ישראל בעבר הירדן ... (א-א)
Sefer Devarim, detailing the last chapter of Moshe’s leadership, contains his parting words to Klal Yisroel, replete with mussar, love and instruction. Yet the very first Rashi sets the tone and conveys a timeless message of how to express reprimand. Rashi explains that because it contains sharp rebuke, the Torah expresses it ברמיזה hinting at it, so that only those to whom it pertains will understand and internalize its message. In a whole different context, in Parshas Yisro (יט – ו), we find the very same two words - "אלה הדברים". But there Rashi comments, "לא פחות ולא יותר". Do not add an extra word.
We can learn from these two Rashi’s how to give mussar. Granted, at times reproof is necessary, but it must be tempered with לא פחות ולא יותר - the understanding of “not more” than necessary. Don’t add into that rebuke all the troubling history that may exist. The potent power of words cannot be underestimated, and we must exercise caution not to overdo it. As we find ourselves in the nine days, and unfortunately, still in the golus caused by שנאת חנם, it would behoove us to improve in all aspects of our interpersonal dealings.
There is a cute anecdote which shows us the impact of one word. A rambunctious girl was once summoned to the principal’s office. Expecting a dressing down, she was confused when the principal told her “You have character.” She asked her mother to explain what that meant. From then on whenever she wanted to act out she recalled her principal’s message. Needless to say, she went on to excel, becoming a great mechaneches in her own right. When speaking once in public, she recounted this story. The principal’s daughter approached and revealed to her; “I was in the office at that time. You should know, Mommy really meant to say ‘you are a character’, not you have character!” A difference of night and day! Boruch Hashem she didn’t!
Oh, the impact our words have! Let us use them appropriately. ציון במשפט תפדה, ושביה בצדקה