Nitzavim-Vayelech | The Transfer of Leadership
Parashat nitzavim-vayelekh
Adapted by Tomer Mevorach
Translated by
"You are all standing today before the Lord your God…" (Devarim 29:9). Rashi (29:12) writes:
"A different interpretation: 'You are all standing (nitzavim)' – because Bnei Yisrael were parting from one leader (Moshe) and taking on another (Yehoshua); therefore he made them stand ceremoniously, in order to exhort them. Yehoshua did the same thing, and likewise Shemuel, who said 'Stand and I shall judge you' (I Shemuel 12:7) when they parted from his leadership and entered the leadership of Shaul."
The source for Rashi's interpretation here is to be found in the Midrash Tanchuma (Nitzavim 1), but Rashi changes the language of the midrash in two ways. The midrash reads as follows:
"A different interpretation: Why did Moshe make them stand ceremoniously? Because they were passing from one approach (da’at) to another: from the approach of Moshe to the approach of Yehoshua, and [later on] from the approach of Yehoshua to the approach of the Elders. Yehoshua likewise made them stand ceremoniously, as it is written, 'And Yehoshua gathered all the elders of
The midrash talks about the differences between the approach or way of thinking of different leaders, while Rashi emphasizes the actual transition from one leader to another. Also, Rashi adds the comment, "in order to exhort them."
Why the need for exhortation? Perhaps this was necessary because the nation would now need to follow a new leader, to whom they were not yet accustomed. Obviously there were significant differences between Moshe and Yehoshua, but Rashi blurs these differences; the midrash, in contrast, emphasizes the different styles or ways of thinking that characterize each of them. There is no real contradiction between these two interpretations: after all, Rashi accepts the explanation of the midrash concerning the difference between the leaders. According to his understanding, however, the leaders ultimately walk the same path despite their differences in approach. In terms of personality, Moshe is certainly different from Yehoshua, but in terms of their leadership there is continuity rather than a break.
As we read this parasha, our yeshiva, too, is about to undergo a change in leadership. After Sukkot [5769], Rav Mosheh
We chose to go about the process in this way in order to avoid an unfortunate phenomenon in the yeshiva world whereby after a Rosh Yeshiva retires, the yeshiva is split, and sometimes even closed down, because Roshei Yeshiva have not designated their successors and the students are left in confusion. I am happy to say that not only did we accept the committee's recommendations, but we are implementing them: three years ago
I am not leaving the yeshiva; I am only leaving the post of Rosh Yeshiva. I believe, and our yeshiva has always believed, that the primary expression of the role of Rosh Yeshiva is delivering a weekly shiur klali (a talmudic lecture to the entire student body). There exist yeshivot in which the Rosh Yeshiva is not capable of giving a shiur klali; in our case, thank God, even among the regular faculty there are many who are capable of it. After Sukkot I will cease delivering the shiur klali and Rav Mosheh
In past years the yeshiva has grown, undergoing many changes, with the final word in the hands of the Roshei Yeshiva. The decision-makers at our yeshiva, thank God, are not all kinds of interested parties and “machers.” The decision-makers are the Roshei Yeshiva, whose role – as stated – is to concern themselves with the students, and to serve them.
I have served alongside
The yeshiva continues to develop. Upon becoming Rosh Yeshiva,
(This sicha was delivered in Elul 5768 [2008].)
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