Reply To: Short & Sweet

Devarim: Channeling Tragedy

Rashi explains why it is that Moshe chose this moment to rebuke Bnei Yisroel for all the mistakes they had made over the past 40 years. Moshe knew that he was about to die, and that this was the most opportune time to correct all the mistakes of the past.

The Ksav Sofer further explains that when we are happily going about our regular lives, without any major challenges or issues, it can be very difficult for us to change ourselves. We feel comfortable, and we can feel complacent.

But when tragedy strikes, it tends to jolt us out of our regular routine. We suddenly realize how little in life is certain, and we can be far more open to changing our ways.

When Moshe was about to pass away, he knew that Bnei Yisroel would be uniquely attentive to what he had to say, and would be far more open to changing their ways.

לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכהן
לע״נ ר׳ חיים דוב בן ר׳ בןציון שלום