B"H
Tuesday, Adar 7, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / February 28, 2023
Today, the 7th day in the month Adar, is the birthday and the day of passing of the greatest leader of the Jewish people of all times, Moshe, or as he is commonly called, Moshe Rabeinu (Moshe our Teacher).
Moshe led the Jewish people out of Egypt, split the sea, and brought them to Mount Sinai
to receive the Torah. He guided the Jewish people throughout their forty-year journey in the wilderness of Sinai. It was to his merit that they received the daily manna from heaven, during these forty years.
Moshe very much wanted to go into the Promised Land, but G-d denied his request because he failed to speak to the rock to give water and hit the rock instead.
Moshe was exactly 120 years on the day he passed away. He was born on the 7th of Adar and passed away on the 7th of Adar, 120 years later.
The Torah tells us that, at the time of his death, his strength had not weakened, his eyesight had not dimmed even though he was 120 years old. The Torah (Five Books of Moses) ends with the story of the passing of Moshe.
Q. Where was Moshe buried?
A.He was buried on Mount Nebo. The Torah tells us that no one knew, nor will anyone ever know his exact burial place.
Q. On which day of the week did Moshe pass away?
A. Moshe died on Shabbat.
Q. How did he pass away?
A. The Midrash describes Moshe's death as "Mitat Neshikin" – G-d took back his Neshama-soul through a G-dly kiss.
The Midrash relates that when the time came for Moshe to return his soul, G-d told him to go into a cave where three angels attended to him. G-d said, "Moshe, close your eyes," and Moshe closed his eyes. Then G-d told him, "Put your hands together," Moshe did. G-d said, "Put your feet together," and Moshe obeyed. G-d then took his Neshamah (soul) back with a kiss.
The Torah tells us that there never was, nor will there ever be, a prophet like Moshe; a man who saw G-d, "face to face" (Deut. 34:10). Moshe is called the "Father" of all the prophets. No other prophet attained Moshe's level. The Torah says, "Moshe was the most humble person upon the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3). Indeed, true greatness is in great humility. May his memory bring blessings to all. Amen.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY