Choose an army of the people

My name is Hyman Fein and this is my first blog. I must admit that I never thought I would be writing my own blog. I am 80 and this whole world is very new to me. On the other hand, I have come to appreciate the power of this type of communication.

I have been incredibly blessed in my life with eight children and many grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. I have had the tremendous zchut to learn under individuals who were truly “the great ones of our generation”. In the past, I have either hand written or typed up quite a number of my Divrei Torah and now I would like to share them with a broader audience.

My only interest is to spread the beauty of Torah. I welcome any and all comments from anyone who chooses to read this blog. I hope to be adding one entry every week. If someone has an interesting idea that they would like me to explore, I would be more than happy to address it.

I am an ordained Orthodox Rabbi, and a lawyer, but the purpose of this blog is not in any way or form to give a psak halacha on any issue. Such matters must be discussed with an individual’s own Rabbi.

My first post has to do with the topic of Amalek in parshat Zachor which is appropriate for the present month of Adar.

As Amalek prepares to go to war against Israel, Moshe Rabeinu tells Joshua to select an army to go do battle with them. “Bechar lanu anashim” is the phrase he uses, i.e., “select people for us”.

From the use of the word “lanu”, Rashi teaches us that one must be respectful of one’s pupil’s persona as of one’s own. How does Rashi know this from the phrase used? In deciding which kind of men will be needed to do battle, it is obvious that Moshe and Joshua need different kinds of people.

As a military person preparing to do battle, Joshua requires soldiers; strong and physically able. Moses on the other hand desires G-d fearing individuals, not necessarily physically strong men. By using the phrase “bechar lanu”, Moses is indicating his respect of Joshua, his disciple, and is telling him that he, Joshua, by himself, should select an army, composed of soldiers meeting both their needs.

We know this, because Moses uses the phrase “bechar lanu”, and not the more grammatically correct “nivchar lanu”, i.e. “we should select.”

Thank you for time and interest in my blog. I wish you a healthy and happy Adar and upcoming Pesach.