Dovid Hamelech, ancestor of Mashiach, descended from Ruth, princess of the most depraved nation. Rav Moshe Shapira ztz”l explains why the greatest darkness brings us the greatest light
MALCHUS In hesped after hesped this word was used to describe the essence of Rav Moshe. He seemed to embody royalty on every level. It wasn’t necessary to hear the measured genius of every word that came out of his mouth. His presence alone commanded a majestic awe and reverence
O ur late-afternoon pilgrimage from Har Nof to 107 Rechov Uziel in Bayit Vegan was always the highlight of our Shavuos. After almost 24 hours without sleep immersed in the higher realms of Torah Rav Moshe Shapira’s face held an otherworldly radiance. As the sun shared its last crimson rays Rav Moshe would treat us to a complex and brilliant shiur. He had an expression that was “ragil b’pumay ” something he loved to say: “On Shavuos we received two special gifts from the Creator of World. We received the Torah. And we received Dovid Hamelech.”
What was the secret of those words?
Please note: The following concepts are based on my understanding of the ideas my Rebbi shared. I may have misunderstood them and they almost certainly do not convey the full depth of what Rav Moshe wanted to teach. I’d like to thank the Shapira family for allowing me to share his Torah in this format.
In the opening scene of our extraordinary history Avraham Avinu destroys his father’s idols and is thrown into the fiery furnace. Haran Avraham’s brother watches the drama unfold and makes a decision: If Avraham comes out alive I will join him. If he dies I will remain with Nimrod. At first sight it’s easy to characterize Haran as a shallow opportunist hedging his bets.
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