B"H

Friday, Tammuz 23, 5778 / July 6, 2018

In this week’s Parsha, Pinchas, we read that G-d tells Moshe to appoint Joshua to take over the leadership of the Jewish people, after Moshe’s passing, and to lead them into the Promised Land.

This takes place at the end of the forty years in the desert. G-d says to Moshe, “Go up Mount Avarim and view the land which I gave to the Children of Israel. After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people (will die) just as Aaron your brother was gathered.”

Moshe knew that he was not going to bring the Jewish people into the land. He said, “G-d, appoint someone capable over the congregation, who will go out before them and who will return in front of them, so that G-d’s congregation will not be like sheep who have no shepherd.” Moshe was hoping that one of his two children will become leader after him.

But G-d chose Joshua, who was Moshe’s faithful student. Joshua never stepped away from Moshe’s tent. He was always at Moshe’s side ready to fulfill any commandment Moshe gave him.

When Moshe went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and was up on the mountain for forty days, Joshua stayed at the foot of the mountain all that time. When Moshe came down the mountain with the Tablets and broke them as a result of the people worshipping the Golden Calf, Joshua had no idea what was happening, as he stayed by the mountain all this time waiting for Moshe to come down.

There is a connection between the Parsha and the first chapter of Pirkei Avot which we learn this Shabbat. The Parsha mentions Joshua and the Pirkei Avot mentions Joshua. The chapter begins, “Moshe received the Torah from Sinai and gave it over to Joshua.” 

Q.Why did G-d say to Moshe, “You too will be gathered to your people (will die) just as Aaron your brother was gathered.” In what way was Aaron’s death different than the ordinary person?

A. When it was time for Aaron to pass away, G-d told Moshe to go with Aaron up to Mount Hor Hahar. There they went into a cave in which there was a bed. Moshe told him to lie down on the bed, to straighten out his hands and feet, to close his mouth and shut his eyes. In that instant, G-d tool Aaron’s soul with a kiss. There was no pain and suffering. When Moshe saw this he too wanted to die the same way. G-d now granted Moshe’s wish; “You will be gathered just as Aaron.”

Q.What does Moshe mean, “G-d, appoint someone who will go out before them and who will return in front of them.”

A. Moshe wanted a leader who will lead the people and not a follower. A true leader is one who leads in the right path, not one whose goal is only to be liked and accepted by the people.

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montrealcandle lighting time: 8:27 / Shabbat ends 9:42