Rashi says that the Karnei Hod, Rays of Glory, which emanated from Moshe were the result of Hashem’s Hand that sheltered Moshe as he was shown a glimpse of His glory. Chazal question the merit that made Moshe worthy of receiving the Rays of Glory. They say that when Moshe completed the writing of the Torah, there were a few drops of ink left. Hashem took the quill and passed it over Moshe’s face which resulted in the Karnei Hod. While this Midrash is fascinating, it demands clarification. We can understand that a human being would find it difficult to estimate the correct amount of ink needed to write a Sefer Torah. Hashem Yisborach does not have this limitation. Consequently, how was it that ink remained? Second, how does the fact that there was ink remaining resolve Moshe’s worthiness for the Karnei Hod? We know how it occurred but we are still at a loss to explain why he merited this Divine gift.
Chanukas Ha’Torah explains that indeed the fact that ink had remained is a result of Moshe’s merit to receive the Rays of Glory. Let us explain: When Moshe interceded on behalf of Klal Yisrael, Hashem told him that He was prepared to rebuild the Jewish People through Moshe. This was totally unacceptable to Moshe, who said, “If they will not survive, erase me from Your Book!” Moshe Rabbeinu is bound up in the destiny of Klal Yisrael. If they were not to survive, then he could not go on either. Moshe’s total dedication to Klal Yisrael effected Hashem’s forgiveness.
The curse of a tzaddik, even if it is rendered with specific stipulations, must come to fruition. It was, therefore, necessary for Moshe’s name to be erased from a parsha in the Torah. For various reasons, the parsha was Parashas Tetzave. In any event, because Moshe’s name – which was originally to be in every parsha which takes place after his birth – was erased from this parsha, some ink remained. This ink symbolized Moshe’s devotion to Klal Yisrael. Is there a greater tribute to Moshe Rabbeinu than to have this ink, which represented his selflessness and dedication to Klal Yisrael, be the medium for creating the Rays of Glory?
