Memorial Book for Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein of Cincinnati, Ohio

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Moshe's name is actually saying something deeper and more spe-cial about who Moshe really was. What best describes Moshe's success as the greatest Jewish leader of all times? Was it receiv-ing the Torah? Or leading the Jews out of Egypt? Or was it the splitting of the sea? No, my friends, I would suggest it was none of the above. Moshe's finest moment was when he put his own life on the line and said: "G-d, I know they sinned but I beg you to forgive them. And, if you refuse to forgive these sinners, then erase my name from your holy Torah!"
It was Moshe's total commitment towards his fellow Jews that found favor in G-d's eyes and changed His mind about their de-struction. G-d was so pleased with this level of love for his fel-lowman that G-d fulfilled Moshe's request and forgave the peo-ple.
So the absence of Moshe's name this week, far from being a negative, carries with it a profound blessing. The name might be missing but "Atoh" - you Moshe, are still felt even here and now, and on a deeper level than just your name. What is the "Atoh" the essence, the "YOU" of Moshe? A leader who sticks by his people always, even when it is at his own ex-pense.
Sadly, as I think of my teacher and mentor, Rabbi Sharfstein is gone. He is missing. I can no longer call him to discuss and weigh various options and choices from a Torah perspective. But something remains.
Rabbi Sharfstein was never concerned how people would think of him when he conveyed Torah Law. He once told me that he



In honor of Shloshim 5 Adar 2, 5768