Chazal (Sotah 13b) teach that one had to climb twelve steps to ascend the mountain. Moshe Rabbeinu could have taken his time ascending those steps, during which time he would have lived longer. However, Hashem had issued His command that Moshe ascend the mountain. Thus, he climbed up all twelve steps in one step/leap. One can imagine that, having lived a perfect life serving Hashem, Moshe would contemplate: How can I serve Hashem just a little bit longer? Not Moshe. His concern was, “How can I serve Hashem better?” If the Almighty wants Moshe on top of the mountain, then he will do it in one leap – even if it will mean shortening his lifespan by a few moments.
A similar case in mind is that of Avraham ben Avraham, the famous Ger Tzedek of Vilna, who manifested such unusual, selfless control as he walked to his death as a martyr. First, a few words of historical background and appreciation. At some moment in life, a person is called upon to make a decision – often a difficult and painful one – that forever alters the course of his destiny. Such choices can elevate an individual from being merely a fine and honorable person to becoming a legendary figure whose life inspires generations.
One of the most striking examples is Avraham ben Avraham, known in secular history as the Polish Count Volentyn Potocki. He was a member of a prominent Polish, Catholic family who became convinced that the only true religion was Judaism. He converted secretly, because publicity would enrage, not only the Church/religion built on love, but also his family, who would forever be humiliated to have a son commit such a grave sin.
He was able to conceal himself and his religious choice for some time, during which he elevated his spiritual persona to the point that the Gaon, zl, of Vilna became close with him. He obviously possessed a neshamah from the higher spiritual realms of the Heavenly sphere. He could not live incognito forever, and, when discovered, he was commanded — in no uncertain terms — to renounce his religion of choice. He steadfastly refused, accepting martyrdom over apostasy. He chose fidelity to Hashem over life itself. He was locked up in jail, awaiting his execution, when the Gaon contacted him, offering to save him through Kabbalistic means. Avraham chose to sanctify Hashem’s Name. He was burned at the stake on the second day of Shavuos 1749.
Now for the story which Rabbi Hillel Goldberg captures (in his usual style), penning it beautifully and inspiringly. On the way to the stake, the Ger Tzedek passed by the window of the Vilna Gaon. He had a short moment, a split second when a halachic decision had to be rendered and accepted. He asked the Gaon, “Faster or slower?” It was a one-word response. They had no time to discuss the halachic parameters and benefits of “faster or slower.”
What was meant by the Ger’s halachic query? (This is where the story connects to Moshe Rabbeinu.) “Should I walk faster to my death, so that I can sanctify Hashem’s Name sooner? On the other hand, it is an imperative to observe all Hashem’s mitzvos, one of which is V’chai ba’hem, one should choose life, so that he can perform mitzvos.” Faster of slower, this is what occupied the Ger’s mind moments before his death. This bespeaks a control born of a presence of mind that only one whose mind is in the Heavenly spheres can have. The Vilna Gaon, indeed, viewed the Ger as an otherworldly soul sent down to this world for a Heavenly purpose. The Gaon’s response? “Faster!” He had a precedent from Moshe Rabbeinu who leaped up Har Navo.
In closing, the following thought should be absorbed in our minds and lifestyles. Avraham ben Avraham was born into a life of luxury, wealth, privilege, honor and power. He gave it all up for the sake of truth. His life remains one of the most shining examples of one who embraced Torah at tremendous personal cost. Indeed, he gave up his life for his ideals, proclaiming through his actions that nothing supersedes fidelity to Hashem. How fortunate are we that we do not have to make such a difficult choice, but rather to live by the good fortune of the lives to which we have been born and raised. Many people live honorable lives, but how many rise to the standard when their lives become a beacon for all generations? Remember: Greatness is not always determined by one’s birth, status or material achievement, but by the choices one makes when confronted with a test of conviction.
Faster or slower? Yehi zichro baruch.
