A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Shelach
Dvar Hashem Baza
Parshas Shlach Lecha is filled with lessons for eternity. Nestled in between the chet hameraglim and parshas tzizis is a fascinating phrase with significant halachic impact. The Torah tells us that an individual who transgresses the aveirah of avodah zarah intentionally is chayav kares. The reason given is ki dvar Hashem baza, the idolator has disgraced the word of Hashem.
The Gemara in Meseches Sanhedrin (99a) darshens many halachos from this phrase. One drasha is so extraordinary it seems not to go with the rest, which mostly deal with the classic definition of chilul Hashem and the rejection of Torah. This astonishing limud is taught by Rabbi Mayer who explains, “How do we define the concept of dvar Hashem baza?” It is one who is lomaid Torah v’aino melamdo, an individual that learns Torah and doesn’t teach it!
Understood literally, Rabbi Mayer proffers a frightening statement, because most members of Klal Yisroel are not professional pedagogues. Could it really be true that the overwhelming majority of Klal Yisroel who are not engaged in the chinuch profession are considered to have transgressed ki dvar Hashem baza? How are we to understand this statement?
Obviously, the words of Rabbi Mayer must go beyond the literal meaning of teaching others Torah in a classroom setting. Taken more deeply, the words of Rabbi Mayer scream out to us a message, which we can all take to heart.
We know that at Matan Torah, Klal Yisroel was designated as an ohr l’amim, a light to all nations. We are supposed to be a beacon of emunah and bitachon in the Ribbono Shel Olam. Even non-Jews should be able to develop an affinity for Hashem Yisborach as a result of their interactions with Klal Yisroel. We are not merely called the Chosen People, rather we are expected to act the part. Within Klal Yisroel, it is no different. In our homes, in the workplace, in shul, and every place in between, we are all representatives of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Each of us is a role model as to how a Torah Jew should behave. Whether in business dealings, interpersonal relationships, or our passion for mitzvos, everything we do is an example for others. Rabbi Mayer teaches us that a person who has learned Torah and doesn’t teach it by the way he lives and acts, is one of whom it is said ki dvar Hashem baza, he has despised the words of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Torah is not merely meant for intellectual stimulation or emotional satisfaction, it is meant to live by. And as we live it, we teach it.
Indeed, every one of us is a rebbe/morah to our children, our friends, our neighbors, and the community at large. It is an opportunity and responsibility not to be missed or taken for granted!
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