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This parable teaches a very deep lesson of Jewish belief. In the parable the servants of the King cannot appreciate the ostensibly useless llanei Serak, the barren trees, until the King explains their value. So too, it can be hard to appreciate the value of the wicked in the world, as they appear to be barren, not producing anything positive. But no, says the Midrash, God wants to hear them praise Him as well. The Midrash goes on to describe (beyond the selection quoted above) how the wicked will call out from Gehinnom, recognizing the evil of their ways and asking for mercy. It is this unique contribution that God wants to hear.
In a similar vein, Rabbi Levi is directing us to understand why Pharoah and the Egyptians are being afflicted with the plagues. It is not sufficient for merely the Jewish people to recognize God; it is important for all of humanity to appreciate his presence, even the most hardened of heart. This is God’s goal when bringing the plagues, to demonstrate His existence and power to even the most obstinate of His creations.
This concept is enriched by the powerful words of an early Medieval Kabbalist, Rabbi Ezra of Gerona, a teacher of Ramban. Rav Ezra wrote a small treatise explaining the basics of Kabbalah. In this piece he makes the basic contention that the purpose of the world is to allow God to express his perfection in an imperfect reality. This is an even greater demonstration of God’s ability, for Him to appear where not expected.
All this reminds us that we should not feel discouraged for being imperfect, in fact, it is precisely from the place of imperfection that God looks to hear our praises. We obviously should not aspire to be wicked like Pharoah, but we can be cognizant that wherever we are in life God wants a relationship with us. We are never too far away. This is His greatest glory, for us imperfect humans to recognize Him.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zachary Rothblatt
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