Family Parshah
Haazinu Q & A

You forgot the [Mighty] Rock Who bore you; you forgot the God Who delivered you. (32:18)

Question: Why does Moshe mention the Jews forgetting G-d twice?

Answer: There was once a person who owed money to many creditors. Unable to bear the pressure and demands for payments which came from all sides, he consulted a friend who, incidentally, was also one of his creditors. The friend advised him, "From now on, when anyone comes asking for payment, act insane so that the creditor will think you have lost your mind and stop bothering you." Once, when the friend himself came to demand payment, the debtor began to act demented, hoping to put him off. Angrily, the creditor said to him, "Don't act crazy in front of me -- it was my idea!"

Among the many gifts with which G-d has endowed man is the power of forgetfulness. Thus, when one is, G-d forbid, confronted with trials and tribulations, he is able to remove his mind from them, and go on with his life. Moshe said to the Jewish people, "The Rock Who gave birth to you -- [has instilled in you a gift, the power] to forget. The problem is that you are using this power of forgetfulness to also forget G-d, Who brought you forth and Who does so much for you."

I wounded and I heal, and there is no rescuer from My hand. (32:39)

Question: It should have said the reverse, "There is no rescuer from My hand; I wound and I heal."

Answer: An ill Jew, whom many doctors were unable to help, desperately visited his Rebbe for a blessing and advice. He was told, "Consult the professor in the town of Anipoli. He will cure you." The ailing disciple spared no effort or money and made the arduous trip. Upon arrival, he was disappointed to learn that there was no professor, no doctor, and not even a medical attendant in the tiny hamlet of Anipoli. Dumbfounded, he returned to his Rebbe and told him that in Anipoli there were no medical experts.

"Then tell me," asked the Rebbe, "What do the people of Anipoli do when someone, G-d forbid, is sick?"

"What do they do?" said the disciple, "I suppose they have no other option but to trust in G-d and ask Him to send the healing from Heaven."

"He is the One," exclaimed the Rebbe. "That is the professor of Anipoli that I referred you to. Put your faith in G-d, and He who helps the people of Anipoli will surely help you too."

G-d says that "I wounded and I heal" when the person realizes that "there is no rescuer from My hand," i.e., he honestly believes that it is not the doctors who bring healing, but G-d.