Siman - Berachos Daf 32
- Moshe’s defense of Bnei Yisrael for their involvement in the chet ha’egel
The Gemara goes through an extensive analysis of Moshe’s defense of Bnei Yisrael before Hashem for their involvement in the chet ha’egel (sin of the Golden Calf),
- Moshe argued that the cause of the sin was the abundance of gold that Hashem had lavished on Bnei Yisrael.
- Moshe realized that Hashem telling him to leave (הניחה לי) really provided an opening for him to continue to try to save the nation by imploring Hashem on their behalf.
- Moshe countered Hashem’s notion to rebuild the nation entirely from Moshe, arguing that if a three-legged chair—Bnei Yisrael founded on the Avos—could not endure, then surely a one-legged chair—Bnei Yisrael founded from him alone—would not endure.
- Praising Hashem
R’ Simla’i teaches that one should always praise Hashem before praying: לעולם יסדר אדם שבחו של הקב'ה ואחר כך יתפלל.
- This is learned from Moshe, who first praised Hashem before petitioning to be granted permission to enter Eretz Yisrael.
- The Gates of Tears are never locked
The Gemara relates that though the heavenly gates of tefillah have been locked since the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, the gates of tears have not been locked.
- אף על פי ששערי תפילה ננעלו שערי דמעה לא ננעלו
- This is learned from the pasuk, שמעה תפלתי ה' ושועתי האזינה אל דמעתי אל תחרש – Hear my prayer, Hashem, give ear to my outcry, to my tears be not silent.
