VOLUME 121 NUMBER 7
Tamuz 11, 5786
June 26, 2026
Parshios Chukas-Balak
Candlelighting Time 8:14
The episode of Moshe hitting the rock instead of speaking to it is quite puzzling. It seems as though the punishment does not fit the crime. Although as the Midrash states if Moshe would have spoken to the rock the nation would have clearly perceived the greatness and magnitude of Torah that it creates the reality of this world, however, it remains perplexing that Moshe would not have been allowed to enter into the Land of Israel on account of that mistake.
Chasam Sofer presents an analysis of this incident that sheds light not only on the punishment of Moshe but is a lesson for all generations. The commentators explain that if Moshe would have entered into the Land of Israel and built the Beis Hamikdash, then it would not have been destroyed. The supremacy of his very being would have negated that in the future the people would not have had the aspiration to serve idols. Idolatry would have been nonexistent and therefore its influence lacking there would not have a deficit in the conduct of the nation and the Beis Hamikdash would have been ongoing. Even though at some point the nation would not have been deserving of the Beis Hamikdash however its longevity would have been perhaps hundreds of years longer. However, the influence of Moshe would not have prepared them for the fallout that devastated the second Beis Hamikdash. As we know, the second Beis Hamikdash was destroyed on account of unnecessary hatred and animosity. That attitude led to Loshon Horah, evil speech and slander which torn asunder the nation. Perhaps we don’t perceive the power of hurtful words and defamation, however, its unfortunate capability to demolish is a moral warning to be learned.
Even the magnitude of the personality of Moshe would not have staved off that destructive element of the negativity of malevolent dialogue. And that lesson would have been imparted if Moshe would have spoken to the rock instead of hitting it. They would have witnessed the energy and vigor of positive speech and obviously they would realize the negativity of malicious vernacular. Not only was that point not appreciated but on the contrary they observed the very opposite. When Moshe spoke to the rock nothing occurred yet when he hit it, then water sprung forward. Perhaps violence is a necessity to accomplish one’s goal in life. But certainly, speech as a forceful impetus to create positive results was not seen by the people at this juncture.
We soon enter into the period leading up to Tisha B’Av, the day of commemorating and remembering the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. As stated, the second Beis Hamikdash was ravaged due to unnecessary hatred which in turn led to adverse speech. We don’t really understand the power of hurtful language but perhaps if Moshe had spoken to the rock then even today we would have known of the ability of words to create and bring forth water from a rock certainly it can create a tremendous source of positivity in the world. Perhaps the greatest preparation for Tisha B’Av would be the search for avenues to merit clean speech in order that this year we merit the return of Hashem to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
Bilaam realized that his curse could only effect a portion of the nation because Hashem would not allow the destruction of the entire people. Therefore, he only faced a part of the nation. At the end he saw the entirety of the nation and clearly he would be unable to curse them so he was forced to bless the people. Rav Shlomo Kluger
GOOD SHABBOS
