אלה הדברים אשר דבר משה אל כל ישראל (דברים א:א)

These are the words that Moshe spoke to all of Klal Yisroel…

An Alexander Chassid by the name of R’ Avraham Krakower a’’h related that after the passing of the Yismach Yisroel zt’’l, he traveled for the first time to his successor, the Tiferes Shmiel zt’’l, to spend Shabbos Parshas Devarim. When he arrived and gave ‘shalom’ to the Rebbe, a thought passed through his mind. ‘When he used to catch a first glimpse of the holy Yismach Yisroel’s lofty features, he was aroused to do teshuvah. And he hoped he would feel the same sentiments with the new Rebbe.’

This thought followed him throughout his visit. He kept on thinking, wishing he could feel that same sentiment.

The Tiferes Shmiel started saying Torah on Friday night with the words אלה הדברים אשר דבר משה אל כל ישראל – Rashi explains that Moshe told the Yidden words of rebuke.  The Tiferes Shmiel asked, “Why did Moshe need to rebuke them? Weren’t the Yidden aroused to do teshuvah just by looking at Moshe Rabbeini’s holy face? Why did they have to be reprimanded if they were worthy of seeing such a holy tzaddik as Moshe?”

To R’ Avraham Krakower’s amazement, the Tiferes Shmiel answered his question.

Moshe Rabbienu could see, with Ruach Hakodesh, the future generations. He saw that it would come a time when one will gaze at their Rebbe and won’t be aroused to Teshuvah.  At such times, a tzaddik should have the strength to reprimand his people for doing teshuvah through the power of his words.

This is what the pasuk alludes to, finished the Divrie Shmiel. אלה הדברים אשר דבר משה אל כל ישראל – Moshe was referring to the tzaddik of each generation, that the tzaddik should be able to talk to אל כל ישראל – to all Yidden, even those of future generations when they aren’t so worthy.

Filed under Parshas Devarim |