As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“By the mouth of two witnesses or three witnesses the matter is established.” (19:15)

If two witnesses suffice, why is it necessary to say that three witnesses are also effective? But here an important principle is enunciated: even though the third witness was entirely unnecessary, yet his willingness to participate in the testimony makes him fully responsible, no less than the first two witnesses. When all three are found to be false, even the superfluous third man is subject to the full penalty which is imposed on the first two.

A valuable lesson is thereby learned: if such is the penalty for joining the wicked, even though he added nothing to their evil deed, then how much greater is the reward of one that joins the righteous, even when he actually adds nothing to their virtuous deed (Sanhedrin 9A).

Thus, when Shem saw his father Noach uncovered and he took a garment to cover him, (as is written: “And Shem took, and Yafeth, the garment” Bereshit 9:23, where the word “took” - Vayikach - is in the singular, to denote that he alone began the act of covering his father, and Yafeth subsequently grasped the garment to participate), the deed could have been done by Shem alone. Yet, when Yafeth held onto the garment he was rewarded and blessed for his desire to participate, although he was not needed and his efforts added nothing. And even when unable to participate in actuality, Hashem prizes those that pray for good causes and good men; and He even rewards all that desire the good causes in their hearts for they desire to participate.

We thereby gain a lesson of very great value: how important are righteous intentions, even when no actual accomplishment could be produced.

Quoted from “Fortunate Nation” by Rabbi Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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