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DVAR TORAH

From the desk of Rabbi Ackerman

(Hear a “Torah Minute” by Rabbi Becker here)

במדבר טז:טו - וַיִּחַר לְמֹשֶׁה מְאֹד וַיֹּאמֶר אֶל־ה' אַל־תֵּפֶן אֶל־מִנְחָתָם לֹא חֲמוֹר אֶחָד מֵהֶם נָשָׂאתִי וְלֹא הֲרֵעֹתִי אֶת־אַחַד מֵהֶם׃

Moshe was very angered and he said to HaShem, “Do not turn to their offerings! I did not take a donkey from them, nor did I cause harm to any of them.” (Numbers 16:15)

Seforno explains that Moshe was rebutting the claim of Dasan and Aviram, that Moshe had exercised leadership for his own benefit. Moshe asserted that he did not even benefit from the people in a way that a commoner would normally benefit from a friend, such as by borrowing a donkey. Thus, his leadership was entirely for the benefit of the people - as a true 'public servant' - and not at all for personal gain. Therefore, argued Moshe, the accusations had no legitimate basis, and clearly stemmed from ingratitude and a lack of appreciation for all the good that he had done for them.

It appears that Seforno is taking Moshe's defense a bit further than necessary; he could have simply stated that he did not use his power of leadership for personal benefit. Why was it necessary to go so far as to say that he did not even benefit as a commoner would from a friend?

Apparently, had Moshehe derived such a seemingly insignificant, normal benefit from the people, their claims would have some amount of validity and Moshe's refutation would remain incomplete. Such is the sensitivity of human beings: if a leader demonstrates anything less than completely selfless concern for them, it can compromise their trust and confidence in him - even if it is a matter of accepting a simple favor.

Let us learn from Moshe’s example and strive to always consider the sensitivities of others so that we can  develop caring, loving, selfless relationships - as Moshe Rabbeinu did for the Jewish people!