The following Dvar Torah on this week’s parsha from Majesty of Man (based on the talks of Rabbi Henach Leibowitz zt’l, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim / RSA), co-authored by Torah Academy of Buffalo Grove’s head of school, Rabbi Shimon Zehnwirth.
“G-d has not given you a heart to recognize, and eyes to see, and ears to hear until this day.” (Devarim 29:3)
Moshe, in compliance with the Divine command, gave a special sefer Torah to the tribe of Levi. The other tribes, upon hearing this, became fearful and indignant. They asserted: “Moshe if you give the sefer Torah to Levi, their descendants will claim that the Torah was only given to them and not to all the tribes. This could lead to the Torah being lost from the Jewish people .”
Moshe had a rather unexpected reaction to this complaint- he rejoiced! Moshe explained, “I was never sure if your devotion to Hashem was complete. Now that I see you are concerned with future generations, I realize that your devotion is indeed whole-hearted.” This is the meaning of the words “until this day” – only today did I comprehend that you are close and devoted to Hashem (Rashi).
This was a nation that clung tenaciously to their beliefs throughout the long and bitter Egyptian bondage. This nation, out of love for Hashem, committed themselves to obeying the laws of the Torah, sight unseen. Nevertheless, these powerful displays of devotion were not enough to convince Moshe that their bond to Hashem was absolute. It was only when he witnessed this day that assured Moshe of their commitment – their concern for the perpetuation of Torah even in the face of a remote possibility that may occur only in the distant future. This is the supreme manifestation – the litmus test – of faith and closeness to Hashem. Personal piety is not enough; one cannot say he truly values Torah if he does not appreciate the need to safeguard it for future generations.”