BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE

There are many interpretations as to what Moshe did to be refused entry into the Promised Land, but nonetheless, a number of questions still remain. What exactly was Aaron’s sin? According to the vast majority of commentators, Moshe was the one who sinned and Aaron’s sin is never mentioned, so why was he punished?

In Devarim, Moshe blames the nation for the punishment he has received, mentioning it three times. How is it possible that Moshe blamed the nation for his failure? Surely the very essence of leadership is that a good leader succeeds and makes the right choices even when events conspire against him? And what exactly is the connection between the sin and the punishment – why were Moshe and Aaron prevented from entering the land?

Rabbi Dunner explores the array of commentaries on this seminal story to try and answer these questions, and also the most difficult question of all — why, if they repented, would God not forgive Moshe and Aaron and allow them into Eretz Yisrael?