By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
EL CAJON, California — On the Shabbat preceding Tish B’Av, a day of solemn remembrance for the fallen Temples, we read the Torah portion of Devarim. This special Shabbat carries the name Shabbat Chazon, the “Shabbat of Vision,” hinting at a profound spiritual experience that awaits us.
Moshe, we learn from the Shvilei Pinchas, arranged Sefer Devarim to be comprised of 955 verses, corresponding to the 955 gates, the barriers, between us and Hashem. We read this parsha on the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av to remind us of how far we are from Hashem, and to increase our mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temples. Reading the 955 verses of Sefer Devarim initiates the process of unsealing those gates, those barriers in our hearts, with the hope that we will succeed in doing so and become close to Hashem when the Beit Tefillah, the Third and final Temple, will be rebuilt in our time, and when Tisha B’Av will no longer be a day of mourning, but with the help of Hashem be celebrated as a festival.
The esteemed Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev teaches that on this Shabbat each Jewish soul is granted a unique gift – a distant glimpse of the future Beit HaMikdash. Though unseen by our physical eyes, this vision resonates deeply within our spiritual eyes. This inner vision serves a higher purpose, empowering our souls to transcend the limitations of our current state of galut – the exile and spiritual displacement we experience. It awakens within us the potential to actively participate in bringing about the long-awaited Redemption and the rebuilding of the Temple. To do so best requires an optimal mindset, as taught to us by the Rebbe, “Imagine you could open your eyes to see only the good in every person, the positive in every circumstance, and the opportunity in every challenge.”
In this way, Shabbat Chazon becomes not just a day of remembrance, but a day of spiritual renewal and sacred hope. It reminds us that even in times of darkness, the light of future redemption is always present, waiting to be revealed through our faith and actions.
This week’s parsha relates that when first instructed to leave Mount Sinai and head towards Canaan, the Israelites were overcome with fear and mistrust, interpreting Hashem’s actions as hatred rather than love. This reaction demonstrates how trauma can distort perception and hinder progress. The Israelites’ inability to recognize Hashem’s blessings and protection stemmed from their traumatic past, which kept them stuck in a mindset of fear and danger.
Fear and suspicion clouded their judgment. Where Hashem offered liberation, they saw only abandonment, their past shaping their perception of their present. This highlights how trauma can distort our ability to see opportunities and hinder progress. Their inability to trust Hashem’s blessings understandably stemmed from the deep wounds of slavery, keeping them trapped in a cycle of fear.
Moses, who never experienced their bondage, saw hope where they saw only danger. Moshe teaches us that two main traits of personality that lie at the root of Jewish weakness and disaffection are ingratitude and lack of self-worth. The parsha emphasizes the disconnect that can arise between those who have experienced trauma and those who haven’t. The parsha offers us valuable lessons for dealing with our collective and historical trauma, fear, and mistrust that build ingratitude and lack of self-worth, that block us from moving forward:
- Begin by recognizing how your past experiences shape your views and decisions and lead to a lack of self-worth.
- Embrace your healing by allowing time and resources for emotional growth and resilience building.
- Learn from your past and live in the present, while drawing on your past experiences for strength, but don’t let them define your future.
- Maintain your faith and hope, gratitude, by cultivating optimism and trust in the face of uncertainty.
In our current times, as we face various threats and uncertainties, it’s crucial to ground ourselves in the present, acknowledge our blessings, and build resilience. By doing so, we can better navigate life’s challenges and work towards our goals, just as the new generation of Israelites was able to move forward towards the Promised Land.
Another psychological lesson this week’s Torah reading teaches relates to giving rebuke. Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz addresses the question of why Moshe only hinted at some of the serious sins of Bnei Yisrael rather than stating them explicitly. This approach might seem counterintuitive, as one might assume that direct confrontation would be more effective in encouraging repentance and change.
According to Rashi, this is rooted in the principle of preserving human dignity, known as kavod ha-beriyot. By only alluding to the sins of another rather than enumerating them explicitly, Moshe avoided causing shame and embarrassment to B’nei Yisrael. This consideration was deemed so important that it took precedence over potentially more effective rebuke.
This teaching highlights a profound insight into the Jewish approach to correction and rebuke:
- Preserving dignity: The Torah places immense value on human dignity, even when addressing wrongdoing.
- Indirect communication: Sometimes, hints and allusions can be more effective than direct confrontation, allowing people to reflect and come to their own realizations.
- Long-term perspective: While explicit rebuke might seem more impactful in the short term, preserving dignity can lead to more sustainable change and a stronger relationship between leader and followers.
- Balance of justice and mercy: This approach demonstrates a balance between addressing wrongdoing and showing compassion for human frailty.
Rabbi Shmuelevitz’s discourse underscores the importance of considering the emotional and psychological impact of rebuke, not just its immediate effectiveness. It suggests that true leadership and guidance involve a nuanced understanding of human nature and the value of everyone’s dignity.
Finally, we read, “Do not fear them, for it is the Eternal your G-d who is fighting for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22). What a buoyant, assuring, and optimistic message of hope. That’s what this week’s parsha ultimately leaves us with. The certainty that, after we’ve done all that we can, we can confidently let go and move forward with faith and trust in Hashem.
As Rabbi Tarfon taught in Pirke Avot (2:16), “It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either.”
During these especially unsettling times, we have no real idea what will happen, as we never really do. All of life is uncertain, except for uncertainty. We do what we can, and we have faith. Yes, as we learn from the Hassidic Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav (1772-1810) “Kol ha-olam kulo gesher tsar me’od; v’ha-ikar lo lifacheyd klal,” “The entire world is a narrow bridge; the essential thing is not to fear at all.”
In a world where daunting challenges and unsettling truths confront us daily, let us cultivate resilience and perspective. Though shadows may loom, we would be wise not be paralyze ourselves with our self-created – and often understandable fear, but rather prevent and manage our fears, summon proportional and rational responses, and never lose sight of Hashem’s support and help with us always.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun.