In Parshas Vayailech, we are told the last Mitzvah in the Torah which is to write a Torah scroll. The pasuk teaches us that Hashem commanded Moshe and Yehoshua to write the Torah and place the Torah scroll at the side of the Ark. The Torah remained there as a constant reminder of Klal Yisroel’s roots and the unchanging focus of their devotion. Chazal derive from this pasuk that every Jew is commanded to write a Torah scroll. (This commandment can also be fulfilled by writing a single letter in a complete Torah scroll or having someone write a Torah scroll for you).
I saw from Rav Zelig Pliskin shlita that the Chofetz Chaim noted that this Mitzvah of writing a Torah scroll comes right after the pasuk which states that Hashem will hide his presence from the Jewish people because of their transgressions (31:18). What can possibly be the connection between writing a Torah scroll and Hashem concealing his presence because of our evil doings?
The Chofetz Chaim explains that the reason this commandment is juxtaposed with the previous pasuk of Hashem concealing himself from us is to teach us that even in times of darkness and destruction, when things may seem bleak and dreary – if one engages in Torah study, he will find great and light consolation in his current situation! The Chofetz Chaim is teaching us that engaging in Torah study has the power to bring solace, guidance, and light to our lives, even when we feel distant from Hashem’s presence due to our own transgressions. It’s a reminder that the Torah’s teachings are a constant source of connection and comfort, guiding us through challenging times and helping us realign with our spiritual focus.
Rav Shalom Schwadron zt”l was once in a shul in Yerushalayim, and he heard a person reading the Gemarah. From the way the person read the words, Rav Shalom realized that this man was unable to understand what he was reading. He stopped and started in the wrong places, and he was unable to tell the difference between what was a question and what was an answer. However, this man did not stop – he kept on learning, constantly stuttering on every few words.
When the man finished learning Rav Shalom approached him. The man told Rav Shalom, “Rabbi, as you can probably tell, I do not understand a word of what I’m reading. Now you may be wondering why I come here to learn and why I bother trying to read if I’m struggling anyway. The reason why I do this is because a loyal patriot wants to know the names of the country’s generals. Even though he may not know a thing about war strategy, at least if he knows the names of the generals, he has some feeling for what is going on, albeit a superficial one. Similarly, I want to know the names of Hashem’s generals.’ I may not understand a word of what anyone is saying. However, I will be able to know the names of the famous Talmudic scholars!” (Growth Through Torah)
Perhaps, the story of Rav Shalom Schwadron zt”l’s encounter with that man showcases the unwavering commitment of an individual to engage with Torah study despite challenges. With Hashem’s help, may we all achieve great heights in our Torah learning and make Hashem proud!
