Speak Softly
When we suffer, we cannot take harsh talk. In times like these, we need the warm embrace of our heavenly Father.
Connection to Tisha B’Av
Devarim, this week’s Parsha, is always read the week before Tisha B’Av, the national day of mourning, commemorating the destruction of the two Holy Temples in Jerusalem.
There is an obvious connection between the two events, the reading of Devarim and the fast day of Tisha B’Av. The central theme of the Parsha is Moses’ rebuke and inspirational “last will and testament,” to the Jewish people before they entered the Promised Land. Had they not changed their lives in response to Moses’ message to them, they could have been prevented from entering the Land of Israel.
Similarly now, our lone obstacle to leaving the state of sadness and destruction — represented by Tisha B’Av — and entering into the state of peace and holiness — epitomized by the Messianic Era — is for us to take to heart Moses’ inspirational charge to the Jewish people in this week’s Parsha of Devarim.
Subtle or Blunt?
Upon closer examination of the way in which Moses rebuked the Jews we discover that he did not rebuke them outright. Instead, he subtly alluded to their past indiscretions. Later on, at the end of the Book of Deuteronomy, however, as we approach the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur season, the period set aside for introspection and repentance, Moses’ reprimand assumes a much harsher tone.
To understand the difference between the subtle and subliminal character of the rebuke in Devarim and the harsher “in your face” tone of the Torah portions of Ki Tavo and beyond, we must first comprehend the difference between Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av. Both are complete 24 hour plus fast days that are designed to get us to think seriously about life and to change our wanting behavior and to improve ourselves no matter how good we already are.
Indeed, the Rebbe explains that Tisha B’Av which is a rabbinically mandated fast day is rooted in the Biblical fast day of Yom Kippur. This is in line with the general principle discussed in the Chassidic classic Tanya, that all rabbinical Mitzvos are rooted and subsumed in their Biblical counterpart.
Yet, similarities notwithstanding, there are salient differences between these two days.
Who could eat? and who wants to eat?”
Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the great and beloved Chassidic Master, commented that there was really no need for the Torah to command us to fast on these two days because: “On Tisha B’Av, who could eat? and on Yom Kippur who wants to eat?”
On Yom Kippur we are like angels; we rise above the physical world. Our souls then lose their appetite for physical nourishment and crave spiritual nourishment instead. For the soul to hear harsh rebuke from G-d intended for the crass body is actually music to its ears, because it too is sickened by the body’s obsession with materialism. This is why, as we approach the High Holy Day season, we are more appreciative of the Torah’s message, and G-d could then remove His “kid gloves” and tell us in more frank terms about our spiritual shortcomings. For the soul that is more sensitized, as we all are during the High Holidays, words of rebuke do not offend us or arouse feelings of degradation, the rebuke makes the soul feel more energized and uplifted.
Conversely, on Tisha B’Av we are crushed by the memory of all the misery of our collective history. If we do not feel like eating on Tisha B’Av it is usually not because we are above and beyond the need for physical food, but rather it is because we are too devastated to eat.
This also explains why the Torah’s rebuke in this week’s Parsha of Devarim is subtle and cushioned, because in this period, when our people’s suffering is highlighted, we cannot take harsh talk. Instead, we need the warm embrace of our heavenly Father. We have to feel that His words, though critical of our lapses, are permeated with love.
Rebuke with Love
As we prepare for Tisha B’Av, we must remember that when we talk to our fellow Jew, it should be permeated with respect and love. While, we certainly cannot shirk our obligation to inform others of their shortcomings so that they can be rectified, it must — especially in this season — be with much sensitivity. Not only will it prevent potential damage that can result from a tougher approach, it is also far more likely to succeed.
Preparation for the Future Holiday
We also have a promise that in the Days of Moshiach, all of the fast days, particularly, Tisha B’Av, will be transformed into days of feasting and celebration. It is only logical to assume that the way to prepare for the positive and joyous dimension of Tisha B’Av is to accentuate the positive and upbeat approach in helping our fellow Jew grow Jewishly.
From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Devarim by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
