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Shimon Ben Mazal
Rashi (based on the Targum) says that it means that Bnei Yisrael caused him to be excluded from the Land. The recount of Tehillim (106:32) indicates this as well: "They caused anger at the waters of quarreling, and it was bad for Moshe because of them." The Ramban also explains that not only did their sins cause them grief, but they did for Moshe as well.
Midrash Tanchuma has a fascinating approach to the exchange. Hashem told Moshe: I made two oaths: 1) You will not enter the Land; 2) I will not destroy Bnei Yisrael. I cannot undo both. If you would like to live and Bnei Yisrael will be destroyed, this can be done. Moshe responded that he and a thousand like him should die and one of Yisrael should not be lost. This explains the linkage between Moshe and Bnei Yisrael, alluded to in the pasuk. However, no explanation is offered for the rationale of the linkage between the oaths.
The Pesikta takes yet another approach. "For you" refers to the prospect of Moshe leading Bnei Yisrael during the time of techiyat hametim (resurrection of the dead). This neither seems to be strongly supported by the simple meaning of the pasuk nor explains the connection to techiyat hametim. Yalkut Shimoni says that we learn a moral lesson from the episode. Moshe claimed that he was to die because he had spoken negatively about Bnei Yisrael. If Moshe, who had spoken mildly against Bnei Yisrael, was excluded from the Land for that reason, imagine the sin of someone who speaks very harshly against them.
The Meshech Chochma points out that several p’sukim later Moshe returned to the theme of not entering Eretz Yisrael, this time connecting it to the warning to avoid idolatry upon entering the Land. What is the point of the connection? Many cultures confer god-like status to human beings, which is diametrically opposed to authentic Judaism. The generation of Jews who left Egypt knew Moshe as one who had grown up in their midst and, with all due respect to him, did not treat him as a deity. However, says the Meshech Chochma, regarding the new generation who knew Moshe only as the godly leader who separated himself from his wife, did not eat for 40 days and nights, and otherwise was other-worldly, there was a real fear that he would be seen as idol in the most real sense of the word. Therefore, Moshe had to die before they entered the Land lest Bnei Yisrael make a mistake in this regard. How great must the precautions be to avoid cardinal misconceptions in the basic tenets of Judaism!
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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.
