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It is fascinating to note that even though there was rampant idol worship among Israel at that time (Shir Hashirim Rabba 2:3), it was specifically lashon hara that Moshe saw as the big threat to redemption, even though it is not even one of the Noahide laws and the time was, of course, before the giving of the Torah. Furthermore, there is no direct indication that others were involved in lashon hara besides the quarrelers.
Let us take a look at what Moshe had recently experienced. He left a promising career in the Egyptian aristocracy to join his brethren in the fields of slavery, which he had ostensibly escaped. He probably was aware of the miracle that had taken him from slavery and allowed him to develop relationships with powerful people in the world’s superpower. He imagined that he could influence Pharaoh to lighten the load on Israel, as he had regarding the weekly Shabbat vacation (Shemot Rabba 1:28).
However, to make the most of the opportunity, the nation needed to develop some hope and confidence. The people also had to begin ridding themselves of the impurity of Egypt, in preparation for the day they would have total freedom. Moshe felt that he was in a position to gain the nation’s confidence and take part in this process. He went out to work among his brethren, including physical labor foreign to a prince, and he gained acceptance.
The event in which he was verbally attacked awakened him, though, to a cruel realization. Even among the slaves, there were various social strata. There were people with power, who intimidated others. Those who were appointed by the Egyptians to carry out Egyptian interests also had interests of their own. No one could point out their flaws. Maybe there were a handful of such people, but they had power, and the people did not stand up to them. The people did not stop them from tattling on Moshe to the authorities even with all the hope he represented for them. As Chazal tell us, one who accuses others does so in the areas in which he is guilty. It was they, not Moshe, who wanted to impose their will on others.
Moshe saw how futile his efforts were likely to be. Everything he said would have to be cleared by the power brokers, and he would not be able to motivate the people toward real positive change. Even if these people agreed to the idea of freedom, the price would be that they would be the new generals. To replace Pharaoh with Datan and Aviram might not be so worthwhile after all.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
