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   by Jacob Solomon

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PARASHA KI-TISA 5777 - D'VAR TORAH


Following the sin of the golden calf and the smashing of the first tablets of stone, G-d instructed Moses on Mount Sinai to write a new covenant. The Ramban explains that the Israelites would accept it on the same terms as the original covenant: "We will do and we will listen" (24:7), and that G-d would confirm His promise not to destroy them. On his descent:

Aaron and the Israelites saw Moses… his face shone brightly, and they were frightened to approach him (34:29-30).

Rashi explains why Moses' face shone so brightly that the people could not go near him. That radiance emanated from Moses because G-d enabled him to glimpse His glory during his most recent period of instruction on Mount Sinai: "I will shield you with My hand until I pass" (33:22).

Nevertheless, Moses let his brightness continue to shine as he taught the people what he learnt from G-d on Mount Sinai. Only afterwards, he would veil his face and not remove it until G-d spoke to him again (33:31-35).

The Kli Yakar explains why Moses then placed a veil over his face. It was an act of modesty. He was embarrassed that his radiance was distracting their attention from important matters. It may also have been a gesture of approachability. But he would remove the veil of modesty when returning to G-d for fresh instruction (34:34) because over-modesty can interfere with the educational process: "He who is embarrassed does not learn" (Hillel, in Avot 2:5).

"He who is embarrassed does not learn". It is natural to remember your inadequacies when in the presence of the great, or when others are listening in. It is natural to feel awkward to speak up when unsure: to ask for clarification, to ask for the concept to be re-explained. It is tempting just to let it go, and then forget the whole thing. Or worse, half-understand it and misrepresent it to others. The Tanna D'vei Eliyahu (based on Proverbs 30:32) derives that a person must steel himself to ask for help in "getting it" even at the risk of being ridiculed. Otherwise what is learnt will be improperly digested and erroneously passed on.

Hillel continues: "An over-strict, pedantic teacher should not teach". However revered and distinguished, the teacher has to create a student-friendly environment. The students should feel comfortable and take responsibility for their own learning even when asking for clarification or for the latest idea to be reconciled with previously studied sources. Indeed, G-d would speak to Moses "face-to-face, as one person speaks to another" (33:11). This was not the place for the modesty represented by the veil; it was for frank exchange. That is how Moses strove to "get it" himself before teaching the word of G-d to the Israelites.

However the student-friendly environment has to be balanced with kavod la-Torah. Moses did not wear the veil when he formally addressed and taught the Israelites, in order that nothing would stand in between G-d's teaching and the people of Israel. It also made awe part of the educational experience. But modesty with the veil and approachability would resume as soon as that teaching was formally delivered.

Perhaps this gives some background to traditional Yeshiva practice whereby the Beth Hamidrash and Gemara shiurim are relatively informal: the students are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the topic from all angles. Yet the atmosphere is entirely different during the mussar shiurim, which are designed to expound Torah fundamental ethical principles and practices. The delivery is formal, typically with awe, and no audience interruption happens. Any questions are left until the teacher may be approached in a less formal situation.

For those looking for more comprehensive material, questions and answers on the Parasha may be found at http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/solomon/questions/ and on the material on the Haftara at http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/solomon/haftara/ .

Written by Jacob Solomon. Tel 02 673 7998. E-mail: jacobsol@netvision.net.il for any points you wish to raise and/or to join those that receive this Parasha sheet every week.

Parashiot from the First, Second, and Third Series may be viewed on the Shema Yisrael web-site: http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/solomon/archives/archives.htm

Also by Jacob Solomon:
From the Prophets on the Haftara

Test Yourself - Questions and Answers

e-mail: jacobsol@netvision.net.il

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