The Talmud (Brachos 58a) relates an incident in which Rabbi Sheshes, who was blind, went out to see the royal procession. Yet, what purpose is there in a blind man going to behold the king?
Rabbi Sheshes knew there is a parallel between the Heavenly kingdom of HaShem, and the earthly kingdom of man. Therefore, he was able to determine the moment the king passed based on a verse that revealed that HaShem is found "in the quiet." Accordingly, after a few battalions of royal soldiers passed by, there was a gap of silence. When everything grew still, Rabbi Sheshes correctly determined that the king was passing.
The verse that teaches this secret was a prophecy of Elijah (1Kings 19:11, "A great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before HaShem, but HaShem was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but HaShem was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire; but HaShem was not in the fire; and after the fire a gentle, quiet voice." Elijah heard HaShem speak in the "gentle, quiet voice."
HaShem is omnipotent, the source of all power, and the supreme force. Therefore, Elijah INCORRECTLY assumed the attribute of power and fear when he admonished the People of Israel.
However, HaShem revealed to Elijah that his harsh method was incorrect and counterproductive. Rather, the proper attribute for education is gentleness and compassion. Therefore, HaShem was not in the wind, nor the earthquake, rather He was in "THE GENTLE, QUIET VOICE."
May we be inspired by HaShem’s revelation to Elijah of the importance of teaching others with pleasantness and gentleness. If we conduct ourselves with compassion and love, we will be successful in our endeavors to influence and educate our fellows. Following the path gentleness, we will be pleasing to man and G-d.
TODAY: Teach others with pleasantness, kindness and a gentle voice.
Important Numbers
