This week’s Parsha contains the second Tochachah (Admonition) found in the Torah. In the Tochachah , Moshe tells us the dire consequences that Klal Yisrael will face if we stray from our allegiance to Hashem and His Torah. Nevertheless, before uttering the fifty-four pesukim (verses) of admonition, Moshe delivered fourteen pesukim of bracha, of blessing, describing the bounty Hashem will bestow on the nation if we fulfill His Torah and serve Him loyally. Included in these pesukim are many insights into what is expected of a Torah Jew and the kind of life he should live.
Rav Avrohom Pam zt”l explains: In order to be successful in serving Hashem, a Torah Jew must have higher aspirations in life: he should only be above, and he shall not be below. One’s mind and heart should be absorbed in matters of above-spiritual strivings, not the base physical drives of earthly existence below that occupy the minds of mankind. How is this achieved?
Rav Pam explains that it is with the realization that a Torah Jew is a head (above) and not a tail (below), as the pasuk (Devarim 28:13) teaches: Hashem will set one at the head and not the tail if he obeys Hashem’s commandments – A person who follows Hashem’s commandments will only be at the top, and not at the bottom. The tail follows the body, while the head directs the body.
It is no coincidence that we should learn such a concept in the last weeks of Elul as we approach Rosh Hashanah. This time of year is when we strive to make improvements in our spiritual lives and do teshuvah for our misdeeds.
I saw in the Torah Tavlin that there was once a trail that went around a dangerous road. It was on a high, narrow mountain and one could easily trip or fall off the cliff. In addition, many wild animals were stalking the area and the whole path had many pitfalls. One person who was aware of the dangers involved in traveling on that path was naturally apprehensive.
After thinking the matter over, he came up with an original solution. He would walk blindfolded! This way he would not be able to see the great damage that surrounded him from all sides, and he would be able to remain calm. Anyone can see how this “solution” just adds to the problem without solving anything at all. He is now in even greater damage than before since he is unaware of his true situation.
During the Aseres Yemei Teshuva (ten days of repentance), a Jew must open his eyes! He must look and see that reward and punishment are merited to each and every individual, and obviously, he does not want to be stuck with harsh punishment. The Chafetz Chaim would say that when we read the Tochachah, there are people who “walk the trail blindfolded,” they close their eyes and ears to the warnings of the Tochachah; they are afraid to listen to the Torah reading.
However, merely avoiding the issue of improper behavior is not correct. By realizing the consequences of transgressions and the failure to do good, one will watch his behavior and will gain immensely. With Hashem’s help may we all achieve great spiritual growth and merit a great year!
