5785/2025
In Parashat VaYikra the first Pasuk reads, “VaYikra El Moshe VaYedabeir Hashem Eilav Me’Ohel Moed Leimor,” “Hashem called to Moses, and spoke to him out of the Tent of Meeting, saying.” When examining the Pasuk on the Klaf, we see that in the first word there is a tiny Aleph at the end. The Ba’al Haturim comments on this, saying that it is a reflection of Moshe Rabbeinu’s humility. The Aleph shows that Hashem picks Moshe to speak with and this is a sign of love specifically to Moshe. However, now that the Aleph is missing, Moshe's humility is shown, as he is trying to show that he isn’t wasn’t worth Hashem singling him out, as if to say that Hashem randomly stumbled upon Moshe and picked him.
Moshe's humility shows that he is not better than others; he is just like everyone else and just like everyone else, even Moshe Rabbeinu wasn’t worthy of Hashem's words. But why is this message communicated specifically here? Sefer Shemot already records Moshe and Hashem having conversations, so why now is it mentioning that Moshe isn’t worthy of Hashem's words? That’s because humility is extremely important in Sefer VaYikra.
A major theme of VaYikra is Korbanot and humility supports Korbanot. In the times of the Beit Hamikdash, one Chayav to bring a Korban, brings it. Absent the Beit Hamikdash, we bring Korbanot through humility, and therefore Korbanot reflect humility. Additionally, Moshe Rabbeinu's humility can only be fully appreciated after Sefer Shemot, which presents Moshe Rabbeinu’s background to fully appreciate his humility. Moshe, the greatest Navi ever, was humble, showing how humble he was.
Finally, there are three different types of humility: One type is when you are talking to one greater than yourself. Second, when you are talking to someone of lesser stature than yourself, such as a student, an employee, or a child. This humility is more impressive, as you have no need to speak humbly. The third and hardest humility to achieve is among equals. It’s natural for people to try to one up another person, to try to be greater than their equal or at least to prevent others from being greater than them. That natural inclination makes being respectful to a near peer that much more impressive.
Overall, we can learn from the Aleph that it’s crucial, even if you are massively accomplished, dealing with one equal to you, or talking to somebody who you have no expectation of showing respect , you should always remain humble and allow others to be more respected than you, rather than trying to exceed them.