‘Parsha Growth Spurts’
Rabbi Dani Staum
Parshas Vayelech 5773
“Now, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to B’nei Yisroel, place it in their mouth…” (Devorim 31:19)
Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt’l (Derech Aggadah) relates that if a world-renown professor or doctor comes to visit a town, and it’s announced that he will be delivering a lecture on the intricate workings of his area of greatest expertise, most laymen would have little interest in attending. The common person realizes that without much background in that area he will probably have no idea what the lecturer is talking about.
However, if a great musician or conductor would arrive in a city to perform, even those who do not know the fine intricacies of music, may come to enjoy the music. They may not appreciate the depth and intricacy of the symphony, but they can still enjoy the music on their own level.
Hashem instructed Moshe to teach Torah to B’nei Yisroel as a song which can be ‘placed in their mouths’. The Torah should not be taught as a scholarly work which can only be studied by scholars. Rather, the Torah can and must be appreciated on all levels, like a melodious song which can move everyone. The Torah must be taught and transmitted in a manner in which it touches and reaches the heart of every Jew, whatever level he or she is on.
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