Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi Yosef Shemtov
In this week’s Torah portion we read about the incident for which Moshe Rabeinu was punished and not permitted to enter Eretz Israel. On the fortieth year of the Exodus, right before Beni Israel entered the land of Israel, the well which provided Beni Israel with water suddenly dried up and the entire nation cried to Moshe for water. Of course this was a test for them.
Unfortunately, they failed the test by complaining to Moshe asking him why he took them out of Egypt. They forgot that for 40 years G-d provided them with all their needs. As always, Moshe Rabenu prayed to Hashem. Hashem commanded Moshe to talk to the moving well to bring forth its water. Then Moshe Rabenu gathered everyone and rebuked them by saying, “You rebels, we will bring forth water for you.†Moshe Rabenu was very angry with the nation for not having trust in Hashem. He hit the stone and water came out and the people drank.
Because of this sin he was denied entry into the land of Israel. There are many many explanations for what Moshe Rabenu’s sin was. I would like to share Rambam’s answer with you.
Rambam says Moshe Rabbenu should not have insulted the people by calling them “rebels.†The Almighty said, “Beni Israel are my children and I love them. No matter what they do and how much they complain, they are my children.â€
It is unbelievable to see how much love Hashem has for Beni Israel. Hashem loves Beni Israel so much that he punishes his beloved Moshe. Hopefully, when we realize how much Hashem loves us, we will also develop stronger love for Him and do his commandments with happiness.
Shabbat Shalom