8556 —השוואת מנהיגי תורה למשה, וגבולות הדמיון

B"H, 8 Kislev, 5723.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

... Regarding your comment in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah end of Siman 242: If you were like Moshe, Rabbi Akiva says he is lashed. (a) In Sanhedrin (31b), for "to whom it was revealed I have already answered"—this is not a difficulty, since the comparison is only in one matter or detail, and this is possible. Even above, etc., as in Menachos (29b) "and he did not know," etc. See Sanhedrin (11a) and those referenced in the margin. (b) Regarding the phrase often used "Moshe shafir kamarta"—this is already answered by Rashi on Shabbos (101b), who explains that it means like Moshe in his generation. If so, on the contrary, this is a fundamental principle in Torah, as in Rosh Hashanah end of chapter two. Based on the above, it also answers what our Sages said in Bereishis Rabbah (17:7) "there is no generation... like Moshe." Further analysis is needed from Tanchuma at the end of Parshas Toldos: "and he surpassed Moshe"—stated simply as if it applies in all matters. (See Rambam Hilchos Teshuvah 9:2.) See Rosh Hashanah (21b) regarding kings who arose. Also see Likutei Torah by the Alter Rebbe on Tzav (17a), at the end of Shir HaShirim, and other places according to the Arizal. Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 6 p. 255.

This letter is to Moreinu HaRav Yehudah Zarchi Mordechai Leib Chaim Segal. Additional letters to him—above vol. 19 letter Z'Katzav and those referenced there in the notes. Regarding "and he surpassed Moshe": see also above vol. 13 letter D'Sheked; vol. 4 letter 9223.

Summary

The Rebbe clarifies that comparing Torah leaders to Moshe Rabbeinu is valid when referring to specific qualities or roles but not all-encompassing; such analogies are rooted in Torah sources but must be understood with nuance.