A young yeshiva student who has never played piano walks into a hotel and sits down near the beautiful grand piano. Someone turns to him and asks: do you know how to play? He replies ‘mistame’, which translates as most probably.
Similarly, many times, we are asked for information, and we think most probably I can come up with an answer. But is it the right answer?
In rabbinical school, they taught us that our expertise is Rabbinics. Not psychology or something else. When people ask us questions, if it is a rabbinical question, we need to be able to answer correctly. Sometimes we must say the truth; “I don't know” or “I will look it up” as well as referring to a professional in that field.
When studying this week, it made me wonder; did our greatest Jewish leaders struggle with their inability to recognize their own lack of ability (aka the Dunning-Kruger effect)?
Rashi seems to comment that yes, they didn't realize.
Moses said to the judges if the case that is too difficult for you, bring to me, and I will hear it."
Because of this statement, Moses forgot the law regarding the daughters of Zelophchad [in Num. 27:1-5](San. 8a).
Similarly, Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer.”
Whereupon, the Holy One, blessed is He, said to him, “By your life, I will let you know that you do not [always] see [with the holy spirit].” And when did He let him know [this]? When he came to anoint David, “And he saw Eliab [and] he said, ‘Surely, before the Lord is His anointed’ ”. The Holy One, blessed is He, said to him: “Did you not say, ‘I am the seer?’ Look not upon his appearance.” (Sifrei)
Moses was the most humble person alive. Samuel is referred to as the small one. How were they presumptuous to think that they know that they are the seer?
Since studying this, this has been on my mind. What do you think, how were they presumptuous?
I came up with an answer, but I am not sure it's correct. Perhaps the message here is to remind us that when we are overconfident, it's ok. Even Moses and Samuel had their moments. However, like Hashem reminded them to be humble, we need to remind ourselves before Hashem "lets us know".
There are no services this week
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
ב"ה