As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

As we approach the subject of the Dor Hamidbar (the generation of the Wilderness), also known as the Dor Deah (the generation of True Knowledge), let us keep constantly before our eyes that this era was the time when Hashem’s love was strongest. These men were chosen as witnesses of the most wondrous spectacles and demonstrations of Hashem’s Presence among His people. At the same time, they were subject to the most severe chastisement, because”The one that Hashem loves, He rebukes, as a father to the son that He favors.” (Mishle 3:12) The harshest punishments were bestowed upon this generation, as well as the greatest expressions of Hashem’s love and the most sublime encomium and encouragement. All the chastisements and castigations of this period were because of Hashem’s especial love: “to afflict you in order to test (or, to elevate) you, to do benefit to you in your end.” (Devarim 8:16)

Rabbi Yochanan (Sanhedrin 110B) upholds the opinion of Rabbi Eliezer that the generation of the Wilderness is very highly regarded by Hashem, who declared:”I remember for you the kindness of your youth, the love of your bridal days, when you followed me into the wilderness, a land unsown. (Therefore) Israel is holy to Hashem.” (Yirmiyah 2:2-3)

“Gedolah Deah!” “How great is True Knowledge!” (Berachot 33A)

The greatest revelation of Hashem for all time was at Har Sinai. And we can look back and see that the purpose of Yosef being sold by the brothers was to bring Jacob and his family to Egypt. The exile in Egypt and the Nation’s witnessing of the 10 Plagues and the splitting of Yam Suf were all to prepare us for the great and fearsome day when we were going to meet and hear Hashem. In fact the purpose of the Creation of heaven and earth was only to bestow theTorah upon the Nation of Yisrael.

The Rambam says, regarding the Revelation at Har Sinai, “We must Exhalt it over all others.” (Igerret Teman) This means that we must build this scene in the edifice of our minds. Picture that there were 600,000 men between the ages of 20 and 60, along with women,children and converts. Total over two million people. The thick cloud of Shechina was on the top of Har Sinai. Thunder and lightning and the strong sound of Shofar.

The Voice is heard,”Anochi Hashem Elokecha,” speaking directly to the Nation. The Nation was overwhelmed with the very greatest fear and the greatest love. The revelation at Har Sinai was the greatest injection of ‘Deah,” the acquiring of True Knowledge combined with actual sensory perception, which has remained an intregal part of the Jewish Nation until today.

Adapted from “Journey into Greatness” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

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