Reply To: YWN Coffee Room Nightly D’Var Torah

*******************Jax’s Tuesday D’Var Torah – Parshas Pinchus*********************

Before the Yidden entered Eretz Yisroel, Moshe divided the land. Each Shayvet and family got a share. The family of Tzelafchad received nothing because Tzelafchad had died and with no sons. His daughters believed that they were entitled to a portion of the land. They sought out Moshe and found him teaching Torah. They waited silently until he began teaching Halachos of inheritance, then presented a brilliant legal argument for their case. Their claim was upheld and they were granted the land. The daughters of Tzelafchad were praiseworthy for many reasons. They were well versed in Torah knowledge. They had a clear grasp of the most complex levels of Jewish jurisprudence. Furthermore, their desire for a portion of the land was not motivated by the normal desire for ownership, it was based on a deep love of Eretz Yisroel (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:10). This pure and sincere love was so great that it overshadowed their normal desire for material acquisition. The Midrash singles out one quality in particular to praise – their timing. They waited for the most opportune moment to approach Moshe and only then presented their argument. Why does the Midrash select this minor attribute over and above all the other amazing qualities they possessed? The Midrash is teaching us that the crowning virtue of all virtues is common sense – seichel. Without this a person can possess intellectual knowledge and brilliance, remarkable talent and ability, wonderful sincere intentions; yet still fail in his endeavors. The daughters of Tzelafchad understood human nature sufficiently to know the crucial difference timing makes. They knew when and how to make their presentation. This insight enabled them to succeed in their claim. The most uncommon thing in the world in common sense. One can master the complexities of a supercomputer yet be unable to interface with a fellow human being. Through the study of Torah, with the analysis and honest introspection of Mussar, we can deepen our understanding of human nature and actually increase our common sense.

i miss you all! have a good one!

Jax