No More Secrets
We are standing poised to enter into a new era of goodness and holiness. We must do our part to make it happen as well as to prepare ourselves and the entire world for it. W e don’t have the luxury to be humble because that one additional Mitzvah that our influence will generate might be the one last act that is necessary to bring Moshiach, peace and goodness to the whole world. Now, more than ever, we can’t afford to withhold our gifts from the rest of our society. LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH
What are the “Hidden Mattes?”
In this week’s parsha, Moses states:
“The hidden matters are for G-d our G-d, but the revealed matters are for us and our children forever, to fulfill all the words of this Torah.”
Commentators provide a host of explanations as to what Moses was referring to when he spoke of the “hidden” matters and the “revealed” matters.
Rashi explains that it is a response to the challenge some might pose to G-d. How can He hold all of us accountable for the private thoughts of an individual?
Moses thus declared that the hidden matters, the private indiscretions of some individuals, are not the responsibility of the community. These hidden affairs are between the LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH perpetrator and G-d. The community, however, is responsible for the revealed matters. A society is obligated to ensure that justice is enacted. While a society is not expected to pry into everyone’s private life to determine whether they have transgressed, they cannot sit back and mind their own collective business as injustice prevails.
Don’t Always Hide You Virtue
Another approach to this verse refers to the tendency many good people have to hide their good deeds. They do not seek recognition and notoriety for their exemplary behavior. Their modesty is commendable and is consistent with the prophet’s admonition: “you shall be modest with your G-d.”
However, as noble, altruistic and holy this unassuming approach to doing good is, it also has a serious drawback. One who is a hidden tzadik cannot serve as a role model for others. One’s children, neighbors and community do not know of the presence of this righteous person whose behavior they can and ought to emulate. The world is denied a major force and influence for the good.
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The Ba’al Shem Tov’s Story
The Ba’al Shem Tov, before he founded, the Chassidic movement, was the head of a clandestine organization that catered to the material, emotional and spiritual needs of the Jewish community that suffered catastrophic losses in the aftermath of the terrible pogroms that plagued the 17th century. His mentor and predecessor encouraged him to become a public leader, after many years of hidden activity so that he could be more effective in rehabilitating and rejuvenating the Jewish community. But he demurred. In his modesty he wanted to serve G-d and his people with all his heart and soul, but he wanted to remain anonymous.
His mentor and predecessor, as the former leader of this “undercover” organization of kindness, sent him a message that ultimately prevailed on him to remove his cover.
In his message to the Ba’al Shem Tov he related a story of a saintly Jew who reached the highest levels of holiness. When his soul returned to his maker, all the angels couldn’t sing enough of his praises, except for one. This angel argued that this man, as great and holy as he was, was not known to the rest of the world and therefore denied them the opportunity to bask in his light. The heavenly court decided that this noble and humble soul must descend once more to this world and become a leader LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH of his people, so that the entire world can benefit from his inspiration.
The Ba’al Shem Tov’s predecessor concluded his narrative: “You are that soul. Your entire raison d’être is to become a public figure that will illuminate the world with the light of your soul and knowledge.” And the rest is history.
This then is the meaning of the Torah’s words: “The hidden matters are for G-d our G-d.” When a person wants to operate behind the scenes; that is a noble and praiseworthy ambition, but its appeal is solely to G-d. Only G-d knows about this individual’s secret deeds, but the world gets no direct benefit from him or her.
Thus, the Torah continues, “the revealed matters are for us and our children forever, to fulfill all the words of this Torah.” When a person engages in good for all to behold, its effects are good for us, our children and our community because it inspires them and helps them to fulfill all the words of the Torah. Modesty where it impedes the progress of others is out of place.
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What Role is there for Modesty?
The question arises. If this is indeed true that the needs of others override modesty, why does the Torah advocate modesty in the first place?
There are three possible and equally valid answers to this question.
First, one can be a public figure and leader who shines and guides others and yet maintain modesty. People can realize that their qualities are gifts that they have an obligation to share with others. From this perspective there is no room for arrogance and condescension.
Second, the very fact that a humble individual goes against his or her nature to serve others is the ultimate test of modesty. To surrender that which is precious to oneself for the sake of G-d and others is the true test that one’s humility is not just the acquisition of another virtue that actually can enhance one’s ego. Feeling humble can actually be part of an ego trip.
Rather the genuine humble spirit is expressed by one who is willing to give away even their cherished spiritual possessions—such as the virtue of humility—for the benefit of others.
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Misplaced Humility
And third, we are living in unique times when the need to help and inspire others is more pronounced.
As was stated on so many occasions, we are standing poised to enter into a new era of goodness and holiness. We must do our part to make it happen as well as to prepare ourselves and the entire world for it. We don’t have the luxury to be humble because that one additional Mitzvah that our influence will generate might be the one last act that is necessary to bring Moshiach, peace and goodness to the whole world.
Now, more than ever, we can’t afford to withhold our gifts from the rest of our society.
Hidden Good Exposed
Moreover, in the Biblical book of Daniel we are told that before the Messianic Age all matters will be revealed and all ambiguities will be clarified—all secrets will be divulged. This means that all of the hidden good will be exposed. And it is that good that will provide us with the power to vanquish all the hidden evil that is also surfacing. This is not a time to withdraw into one’s own cocoon. It is the time to allow those positive energies that we all possess to LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS NITZAVIM-VAYEILECH manifest themselves as a way of bringing about the Messianic Age, when all of G-d’s “secrets” will also become revealed.
This message is particularly poignant as we stand on the threshold of the New Year. What we do in the remaining days, hours and moments of this year and the influence we have on others can make the New Year a year of goodness, sweetness and most importantly a year of Redemption.
LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS
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LIGHT FORM THE FUTURE – PARSHAS
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From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Nitzavim by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
