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The Torah Shleima (Shelach 129) cites a midrash that six of the attributes were off limits because of the lashon hara. The Zohar (III, Shelach 161b) says that "truth" was omitted (rav chesed appears without ve’emet) because the spies lied. However, there is a different approach that it was not that the people did not merit the missing attributes, which are meant, after all, for sinners. The Midrash Aggada (Bamidbar 14:17) says that rav chesed implies that if Hashem would give people what they deserved, no one would survive. Indeed, the Ramban says that this is the reason that Moshe specifically left out emet. He continues that Moshe did not invoke the forefathers’ virtue because they had been promised the Land and here the offspring had turned their back on that present.
The Ramban questions why rachum v’chanun (merciful and compassionate) was omitted. He suggests that Moshe knew that fulll forgiveness was impossible at the time. One can suggest that these were more general matters of compassion that were less focused on forgiving sin, as we say: "Just as He is rachum and chanun, so we should be." It is interesting that even when Moshe chose the attributes to mention, he included "v’nakeh lo anakeh" (I will clean [the slate]; I will not clean), which means that Hashem will only forgive those who repent (Shvu’ot 39a). Moshe’s approach was not to seek full mercy but to allow restitution in a manner that would allow Bnei Yisrael to survive. First the people repented. Second the punishment was to be stretched out over time and not be meted out immediately (see Rashi to Shemot, ibid.). Moshe realized that business could not resume as usual. Thus, Hashem was able to say the famous words, "Salachti kid’varecha" (I have forgiven as you said) and continue that the generation would not merit to see the Land (Bamidbar 14: 20-23).
We have a special right to ask and often receive mercy from Hashem for our personal and national sins. Moshe found a way to tailor-make the request for the need. However, we will not succeed and should not even ask for magical forgiveness that makes sins disappear without consequences or rectification.
Parashat Hashavua Unfortunate Disbelief in the Coexistence of Opposites
1988 – from Siach Shaul, p. 388-390
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
