What We Really Believe: Volume 6, Issue 38, Nitzavim-Vayelech
September 5, 2026; 23 Elul, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara
In Parshas Nitzavim, Moshe Rabbeinu reminds the nation of what they observed while living among the nations: “And you saw their abominations and their repugnant idols, of wood and stone, silver and gold, which were with them.” (Devarim 29:16).
The verse is phrased unusually. The wood and stone idols are merely described as seen, while the silver and gold idols are described as “with them.” Rashi explains that the wooden and stone idols were left in public because their owners did not fear theft. The silver and gold idols, however, were kept “with them”—locked away in private treasure chambers—because their owners feared these costly idols might be stolen.
It would appear that Rashi is teaching us something deeper than the practical point that valuables are locked away while inexpensive items are left outside...