Rabbi's Corner

In Masekhet (Tractate) Megillah 18b of the Talmud Bavli (Babylonian Talmud) we find instructions on writing a Sefer Torah (Torah Scroll).  The sofer (scribe) must copy out of text located in front of him.  It is forbidden to write even one letter of the Sefer Torah by heart.  The Talmud then relates the story of Rav Chisda once finding Rav Chananel writing a Sefer Torah without a written text in front of him.  Rav Chisda knew that he must rebuke Rav Chananel, but because he respected and admired Rav Chananel he did not know how to do this.  Finally, Rav Chisda said this to Rav Chananel: "You are qualified to write the entire Sefer Torah by heart.  However, the Sages ruled that it is forbidden to write even one letter from memory."  What we have here is evidence of a loving rebuke.  We find the same situation in this week's parashah (Torah portion), Parashat Devarim.

When Moshe Rabbeinu (Moshe, our Teacher) rebuked B'Nei Yisrael (the People Israel) at the end of his life, he recounted how he appointed judges over the nation due to B'nei Yisrael's excessive quarreling.  "So I took the Heads of your Tribes, distinguished men, who were wise and well-known, and I appointed them as heads (judges) over you." (Devarim 1:15)  Moshe went into detail, listing the qualities needed for those judges.  Why was it necessary for Moshe to list these qualities at this point in the journey?  As the Torah text points out, Moshe began by explaining how qualified these "distinguished men" were and why they, in particular, were needed to assume the duties that needed to be fulfilled.  It should be noted that Moshe prefaced his rebuke with praise.  He told B'Nei Yisrael how special they were in that they needed these specially selected people to ensure that they would follow the dictates of the Torah.  So, what is the lesson here?

Criticism (i.e.- rebuke) is dangerous.  Why?  Because it can wound one's pride.  It can demoralize the recipient for a long time, perhaps even forever.  However, being critiqued (i.e.- criticism) can also lead to tremendous growth.  It can broaden one's vision (chazon) and help one to proceed on a new and better path.  As the Torah teaches us, it is only when we see the positive traits in the one who needs correction that we are then able to give that person a loving rebuke.  And when that happens, everyone wins!