March 11, 2023; 18 Adar, 5783
Parsha
Bnei Yisrael had sinned by worshiping the golden calf. Moshe Rabbeinu interceded on behalf of Bnei Yisrael and begged Hashem for forgiveness. The Pasuk states: “And Hashem passed before him and [Moshe] proclaimed: Hashem, Hashem, benevolent G-d, Who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness and truth…” (Exodus 34:36)
Rav Yitzchok Hutner ZT”L, the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, poses a fundamental question. Why did Moshe appeal to Hashem’s attribute of Emes – truth, when asking for forgiveness? In truth, from a strict justice perspective, people do not deserve to be forgiven. When dealing with forgiveness, we ask for Hashem’s kindness and mercy. Why did Moshe include Hashem’s attribute of Emes when praying for their forgiveness? ...