Martin H. van den Bergh

Since October 7th, we have been reminded that we are responsible for our own protection. The treaty between the United States and Iran has reinforced this reality. At the same time, we are accountable for our actions and behaviour. This is a lesson reflected in the episode in which Moses and Aaron were told by G-d that they would not enter the Promised Land.

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This followed when the Children of Israel, thirsty and distressed, complained to Moses for water. God told Moses to speak to a rock so that it would produce water. Instead, Moses struck the rock with his staff, as he had done on an earlier occasion. God then said to Moses, “Because you did not sanctify Me in the sight of the people, you will not enter the land of Israel.” Rashi explains that if the people had seen a rock—something that neither speaks nor hears and needs no sustenance—obey God’s command, they would have been inspired to follow God’s word themselves. Moses lost the chance to sanctify the name of G-d, and he also spoke of the Children of Israel in a disrespectful way.

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This teaches us to be careful in how we speak to one another. We should strive to speak with compassion, because a kind word can be deeply effective, especially in resolving conflicts.