תורה 20

5. And when a person prays before the lesson, he has to pray with entreaties, asking God for an undeserved gift. He should not make it contingent upon his own merit, even if his staff of strength from his devotional service has now been aroused. This staff is not for self-aggrandizement, but for humbling the evil of the community.

This is because in a group of people, there are those who are good and those who are wicked. He has to humble the evil of the wicked, as explained. But before God, he must stand like a pauper and a beggar. He should plead instead of relying upon . This is (Deuteronomy 3:23), “At that time I pleaded with God, saying.” He has to plead whenever it is that he wants to “say”—i.e. prior to giving the lesson.

And this is the mistake which Moshe made. God said to Moshe: “Take the staff and gather the community. Then speak to the boulder in their presence.” He was to take the authority of his strength which he had by virtue of his mitzvot and good deeds, “And gather the community.” For at a time of gathering, when there are also wicked people amongst them, a staff of strength is necessary in order to subdue their evil.

But afterwards, “Then speak to the boulder in their presence.” It isn’t “speak[ing]” unless [it’s said with] humility. He should pour out his words and prayers with pleading, like a pauper and a beggar. “To the boulder”—i.e. to the Supernal Heart, as above. “In their presence”—specifically. The assembly should be there at the time, so that he can bind himself to their souls.

But he [Moshe] did not do this. he made mention of his goodness and righteousness while praying. He did not make use of the staff for the assembly, but used the staff while praying.

This corresponds to (Numbers 20:11), “Moshe raised up his hand [and struck the boulder twice with his staff].” “His hand” alludes to prayer, as in (Exodus 17:12), “His hands were faith,” which Onkelos translates as, “[His hands] were spread out in prayer.” He raised up his prayer and did not bind himself to the assembly. “And struck the boulder twice with his staff,” as if to say, “He struck the rock and water flowed” (Psalms 78:20) —he struck the Supernal Heart, like people taking something by force, with coercion. This is because he [Moshe] came with the strength of his good deeds.

And this is the striking of the boulder twice. One striking was the taking of the Torah lessons by force, with coercion. He did not ask for it gratis, as explained. And there is another striking. For “whoever presses the hour, is pressed by it” (Berakhot 64a), and he passed away prematurely. And with his passing, the Divine Presence, which is the Supernal Heart, wails and cries over him. And this is “twice,” for both Moshe and Aharon died as a result of the striking. As is written (Numbers 20:13), “These are the Waters of Strife….”

Because of this, a person should not pressure himself about anything. Rather, he should request with pleading. If God will give it to him, He will give it; and if not, not. {“Because you did not have enough faith in Me to sanctify Me in the presence of the Jewish people, therefore, you shall not bring this assembly to the land that I have given you” (Numbers 20:12).}

And this is, “Because you did not have enough faith in Me”—i.e. prayer, as mentioned. He raised up his prayer above the prayer of the assembly. He did not bind himself with . And prayer is faith, as in, “His hands were faith.”

“To sanctify Me in the presence of the Jewish people.” Specifically, “to sanctify Me.” For through the multitude’s is made holy. “Therefore, you shall not bring this assembly to the land that I have given you.” hinted to his passing away. For at the time of the tzaddik’s passing, holiness is also added above, as is known. Thus, that which was decreased through them is now completed through them.