Parshat Devarim - Refusing to Accept Responsibility
by Rabbi Lobel

(Deuteronomy; Chapter 1, Verse 1) These are the words that Moses spoke to all of Israel, across the Jordan, in the wilderness, in the Plain, opposite Reeds, between Parran and between Tophel, and Hatseroth and Dee-zhav.

Moses, in the last days of his life, was to rebuke the children of Israel. The Torah, in the first verse of Deuteronomy, vaguely lists all places where Israel angered G-d. (Dee-zhav is reference to the sin of the Golden Calf made out of Gold.)

Rashi, on the verse, comments that "Moses spoke to all of Israel." Moses made sure that all were present to hear his rebuke. If Moses had only rebuked part of Israel then those not present would have said, "You heard from the son of Amram [Moses] and did not respond from such and such a point. If we had been there, we would have answered him." Moses said to the nation, "See, now, all of you are here. Whoever has a response, let him respond."

The Jewish nation, despite accepting blame and repenting for all of their rebellions against G-d, would still refuse rebuke. Even after accepting their wrongdoing, as that is a necessary component of repentance, it is still against human nature to accept further rebuke.

Furthermore, as the Ramban [Nachmandies] notes in his introduction to the book of Deuteronomy, Moses' sole objective was for Israel to realize the mercy of G-d; that no matter the sin, one always has the ability to repent. Moses' final rebuke was not intended to accuse or cause distress but rather to inspire the Jews to even greater spiritual heights. Moses' intention was to inspire the Jewish nation, then and future generations.

Why would one feel the need to retort when not being blamed for wrongdoing? To evade responsibility. Knowing that G-d is so merciful and understanding of the task set forth, one realizes he is also accountable and responsible for his actions. It is the understanding that one cannot just live his life on his own terms. That is not easy to accept.