Parshas Vaeschanan (Nachamu) 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
כי אנכי מת בארץ הזאת אינני עבר את הירדן ... השמרו לכם פן תשכחו את ברית ה' ... (ד-כב,כג)
Moshe Rabbeinu repeatedly warned Klal Yisroel against the dangers of idol-worship. While cautioning them about the prohibition of creating various images, he interjects with a reference to Hashem’s decree barring him from entering Eretz Yisroel and his impending death in the Midbar. These words seem unrelated to the discussion at hand about Avodah Zara. Why does Moshe weave his personal fate into this warning against idolatry?
R’ Yehonasan Eibschutz zt”l was a Rav in a small town where he implemented many beneficial things for the tzibbur. As his fame spread, he was invited to become Rav in the large city of Prague, a truly prestigious position. He called the leaders of the town to share the news with them, expecting them to beg him to stay. That was not the case and he accepted the Shteller. R’ Yehonasan was sure a large preida would be held or at least a ceremony presenting him with a gift, but alas, no one indicated any feelings of remorse at losing this great giant from their midst. Finally, moving day came, and as the wagons were loaded, R’ Yehonasan looked to see if throngs of people were seeing him off. When this too did not happen, he called the Gabbai to gather everyone in Shul where he delivered a sharp Mussar Shmuess, advising the crowd to continue following the Takanos he had brought to the town. People asked why he felt the need to share such a piercing rebuke as a final sermon. R’ Yehonasan explained, “This town is a town of unappreciative and ungrateful people. I have been Rav for all these years, and no one has any feelings about it? People with such middos will be ungrateful to Hashem as well, and will ultimately stop serving Him.”
This was Moshe’s intention. People wondered why Moshe needed to continuously warn about idol-worship. Moshe explained, “I was the leader and defender of Klal Yisroel for years and yet when I needed prayers to enter the Land, only I prayed for myself. People that are כפויי טובה will ultimately turn against Hashem, and these incessant warnings are needed and appropriate.”