Midot Hayom 5770 Day 24: Tiferet in Netzach

Since all were his disciples [even the elders] and he did not need [the elders] to conquer the land . . . and because he foresaw through Divine Inspiration that the people of Israel would eventually be subdued by the nations and their heads [lay leaders] would stand up for them [and appease the kingdoms, enabling the elders to continue

to learn torah], he gave the heads [who had great wisdom as well] precedence over the elders [when he said], “you are standing today, all of you, before Hashem, your Lord: your heads . . . your elders” (Deuteronomy 29:9) (Yerushalmi Horiot 3:5, P’nei Moshe).

Moshe used his sense of the Eternal story of the Jewish people, Netzach, to balance the hierarchy of the people in his time. He did not see through his prophetic powers, but Divine Inspiration, what would happen in the far future. His vision was a result of the Netzach of his being. He sensed the important role that the lay leaders would play when Israel would be subdued by the nations, and immediately began to honor them.

Moshe’s Netzach vision was expressed in the way he strove to balance the nation, enhance its long-term Tiferet.

Parents and teachers often have a sense of what lies ahead for children and students. Tiferet in Netzach instructs us to prepare them, not necessarily by instructing them, but in helping them develop a sense of balance; an appreciation of all their strengths and potential.

Hopefully there are times when we appreciate the Netzach of our Service of God. We can fall into a trap of exhilaration, joy at our achievement, and a high from touching Netzach, eternity. Tiferet in Netzach reminds us that we must use such moments, not as a peak, but as a sense of our abilities that will allow us to balance such wonderful moments with experiences of lesser joy.

Tools:

Make a list of the strengths of your children, spouse, friends and students. Evaluate which strengths are less obvious to them. Consider ways to help them develop those strengths.

When you experience a sense of Netzach in your Service of God, allow yourself to feel the joy. Then, reflect on what the experience taught you about yourself. Think of ways you can reify the feelings and incorporate them into a natural part of your being.