DEVARIM
From a Passive Reader, To Being a Great Leader.
Though in the scientific realm, knowledge is constantly evolving, in Judaism, the concept of "descent of the generations" emphasizes that while knowledge accumulates, the closeness to the Divine diminishes. This is seen as a paradox, as the darkness of exile seems to grow stronger as time passes, with fewer manifestations of the Divine presence.
In the present generation, there is a noticeable absence of great visionaries and leaders. The passing of influential figures leaves a void that is difficult to fill, and it feels as though we are nearing the end of an era.
How, then, do we insist that in our present generation, which is comparatively so low and far removed from the greats of the past, Moshiach will come?!
This concept can be understood from the book of Devarim, which we begin studying this week. The book raises questions about the role of humans in relation to the Torah and Moshe’s book being included as part of the Torah. The Chassidic explanation is that throughout history, power has passed from the Divine to the people, and from leaders to ordinary individuals. We are now in the final stage, where each person, even those on the periphery, is required to embody the qualities of Moshe, taking initiative, responsibility, and living a life of sanctity.
