A Thought On Parshas Devarim

A Thought On Parshas Devarim

"...u'bein Tofel..."

"...near Tofel..." (1:1)

As Moshe enumerates some key places from the desert travels of his people, he uses some allusions rather than formal names for the trouble spots which they passed through. Our sages interpret the place-names as references to some of the bad memories where we failed to adhere to the words of HaShem and the words of His prophet Moshe.

"Tofel" is not a real name. The various commentaries identify it with different locations. The Ralbag suggests that it is a reference to the Plains of Shittim, where our nation strayed after the idols of Midian. Why did Moshe refer to it by this name? The Ralbag writes that "tofel" means an inert substance, something with no flavor. We find this term used in halacha with regard to foodstuffs. It is also used in referring to idolatry (tiflos). What is the connection between idolatry and unflavored food?

The Ralbag explains that anyone who looks at Torah and then looks at the premises and doctrines of pagan religions can see the difference. There is no flavor and nothing tasteful about the latter. He writes that "dthe intellect can testify with ease that idolatry is blemished and defective." For this reason, Moshe offers subtle rebuke to the people, reminding them of the incident at Shittim (Bamidbar 25:1-3) and referring to that place and that episode as
"Tasteless."

* * * * *

"...va'yitav b'aynai ha'davar..."
"...and the idea looked good to me..." (1:23)

In reviewing the episode of the Meraglim when the nation had demanded reconnaissance of the Holy Land, Moshe seems to concede that the idea seemed all right to him. We know that event proved tragic and led to our being punished with forty years of wandering, delaying entry into the land. What is Moshe getting at by adding that "the idea looked good to me"?

The Ralbag suggests that Moshe is teaching us that when bad things occur or negative consequences follow an event, it is not proper to associate the "badness" with HaShem. HaShem is good to us. HaShem offers us a good life. When we cannot see the good or when rough times befall us, while there is a Divine plan and lesson to be found, it is important that we refrain from thinking that HaShem is doing something "bad." This is why Moshe emphasizes that he was the one who gave the go ahead for the plan, and if anything bad resulted, the people should associate the plan with Moshe's having approved of it, but not as if Moshe had said, "it seemed pleasing in HaShem's eyes", which would have led the nation to question HaShem once there were bad results.

This evening, I was stuck in a prolonged traffic jam with an old friend, with whom I had set out to perform the mitzva of nichum aveilim. My friend is recovering from a long bout of serious illnesses, and we discussed his spiritual struggle during his suffering. He told me that one thing that he had learned was that the Torah concept of "hakarros ha'tov" does not mean "being grateful" or having gratitude. It can be hard to feel gratitude at times, such as when one is, l'a, in the throes of agonizing illness. "Hakarros ha'tov", he explained, should be taken literrally: recognize what is good. Amidst the many questions and confusion which can surround intervals of hardship, the Torah wants us to maintain a consciousness meanwhile that HaShem does many good things in His world. We can find them. We can see them. This is a boost to our consciousness of the Divine even in the darkest hours. Despite the trouble which may prevail, there is still goodness out there.

Wishing you a good Shabbos Chazon. D Fox