Moshe had to petition very hard for Klal Yisrael to be saved after they believed the spies’ slanderous report. He pleaded from the depths of his heart that the nation be forgiven. Yet, what did he see fit as the most effective way to seek forgiveness? Furthermore, in his entreaty, many references are made to the response of other nations. What is the underlying message behind this?
The Ramban explains that the real reason we exist in this world is to thank Hashem and to publicize His miracles. Therefore, Moshe pleaded that if the nation would not continue, who would bear testimony to the great miracles that we had witnessed? Who would spread to the world Hashem’s great goodness and kindness that He performed for us?
Klal Yisrael, with all the miracles we have witnessed, are a living testimony to Hashem’s great involvement in our lives. The world would not be able to continue without us. This was the underlying message behind Moshe’s entreaties, which were accepted by Hashem — and we were saved. (Ramban, Devarim 32:28)
This insight from the Ramban sheds light on our obligation in this world and the reason why the world was created: to thank Hashem and appreciate His involvement in our lives. As the Ramban writes elsewhere, “The purpose of all the commandments is that we believe in Hashem and be thankful to Him that He made us, for we know of no other reason for our creation.”
We also see from here how just being part of Klal Yisrael makes us a living testimony to Hashem’s kindness and miracles. Throughout our history, we have experienced spectacular miracles such as the Ten Plagues and the splitting of Yam Suf.
Furthermore, the Chovos Halevavos writes that the fact our nation has survived the long exile and continues to thrive among the nations of the world is comparable to the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim.
Throughout history, many mighty nations have tried to destroy us — the Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, and more. Yet where are they today? Miraculously, the Jewish nation is still here and thriving! Each one of us is living proof of Hashem’s spectacular miracles and His great love and kindness.
A mighty non-Jewish king once summoned a wise philosopher to address an issue on his mind. “What is a clear proof of Hashem’s involvement in the world?” he asked. “I want a short, straight answer.” Not fazed by the king’s demand, the philosopher replied, “Okay, I will give you a short answer: the Jews.”
His message was clear: just looking at our nation — how we have experienced so many spectacular miracles and yet remain here after such a long exile — is tremendous proof of Hashem’s mastery over the world.
The Alter of Slabodka explains that the Geulah (redemption) will come in stages, and the fact we have experienced such a revival of Torah learning and survived so much persecution is actually part of the Geulah itself. This explains why many of the blessings we recite about the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash — such as Boneh Yerushalayim and Hamahazir Shechinato Letzion — are in the present tense. The Alter writes that this is a fundamental belief of our faith. (Ohr Hatzafon)
Contemplating the incredible miracles of our survival fills us with tremendous chizuk (strength). It is a great zechus (merit) to be part of Hashem’s eternal nation, witnessing such spectacular miracles!
A story is told of the Ponevezher Rav, who was once passing through Rome on a fundraising trip for his Yeshiva. He saw the Arch of Titus, with etchings of the wicked Romans plundering the Beis Hamikdash and removing our most sacred keilim.
He asked the driver to stop and exited the car, standing right in front of the arch. Raising his voice, he exclaimed, “Titus, Titus, you tried so hard to destroy us 2,000 years ago, yet where are you today? In my Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, there are over 500 students diligently learning the holy Torah, not to mention the thousands in Yeshivos worldwide. Yet each day people pass you by and don’t know who you are — many can’t even pronounce your name. Your evil schemes and ambitions are just history.”
Written by Daniel Shasha, To recive our weekly inspiring newsletter by email, livingappreciation@gmail.com