Parashat Ki Tisa- Hashem’s Unlimited Compassion

Following the sin of the golden calf, G-d decreed that Beneh Yisrael should be annihilated, but Moshe successfully interceded on their behalf, and Hashem repealed His decree. Moshe began his plea by asking, “Why should G-d be incensed at Your nation, whom You took out of the land of Egypt with great strength and a mighty hand?” (32:11). Rav Moshe Alshich (1508-1593) raises the question of how G-d could be described as bringing Beneh Yisrael out of Egypt “with great strength” – which implies that the Exodus entailed some degree of exertion on His part. It goes without saying that Hashem can do anything He wishes without any effort, without having to work hard. What, then, is the meaning of this verse, which speaks of Hashem rescuing Beneh Yisrael “with great strength”? Rav Moshe Alshich notes that this question arises also with regard to the Gemara’s teaching (Pesachim 118a) that a person’s livelihood is “difficult like the splitting of the sea.” Elsewhere (Sanhedrin 22a), the Gemara similarly comments that matching couples for marriage is “difficult like the splitting of the sea.” These sources, too, imply – at first glance – that Hashem needs to struggle to accomplish certain things, a conclusion which clearly cannot possibly be considered for even a fleeting moment. The Alshich explains that the “difficulty” implied is Hashem’s granting kindness to those who are not, strictly speaking, worthy of kindness. When Hashem seeks to bless a person with a comfortable livelihood, the Alshich writes, that person’s misdeeds stand like soldiers to block the blessing. Likewise, people may not always be deserving of a happy, fulfilling marriage, because they do not act as they should. But Hashem has the “strength” to overcome these obstacles, to bestow kindness upon people even when they do not deserve it. In His infinite mercy and compassion, Hashem hears our prayers and is prepared to grant us what we need despite our past mistakes. As long as we turn to Him in sincerity, and truly wish to serve Him, He is prepared to forgive us for our wrongdoing and grant us blessing and happiness. The Sages teach that as Beneh Yisrael stood trapped against the sea, the angels argued that they were not deserving of a miracle, because they, like the Egyptians, worshipped idols in Egypt. Nevertheless, G-d mercifully heard Beneh Yisrael’s prayers and split the sea to rescue them. This, the Alshich explains, was Moshe’s plea after the sin of the golden calf. He pointed to the fact that Hashem had brought Beneh Yisrael from Egypt with great “strength,” forgiving them for the grave sins they had committed. Therefore, Moshe argued, Hashem could forgive them now, too, after the grievous sin of the golden calf. We should never desist from praying because of our mistakes and failings. Even though we realize that we are not worthy of Hashem’s blessing, we are still able – and urged – to appeal to His unlimited mercy and compassion, and plead for all that we need. If we pray genuinely, with sincerity, then we are able to access His infinite kindness despite the unfortunate mistakes that we’ve made.