In our previous article, we discussed the punishment of those who participated in the chet ha’Eigel. Yet there is another question that is perhaps even more troubling. The Vilna Gaon is quoted as saying that only a tiny percentage of Klal Yisroel actually served the Eigel. The Kuzari writes that only three thousand men participated in the chet. Out of six hundred thousand adult males, that amounts to only one-half of one percent of the nation. The Ramban likewise emphasizes that it was only a small minority who actively worshipped the Eigel. If so, why was Hashem prepared to destroy the entire nation?
The Ramban explains that although only a few people actually worshipped the Eigel, many more were pleased with it. Others simply stood by and did nothing. They neither protested nor attempted to stop the sinners. Their indifference made them partially responsible. This teaches us a lesson. A person cannot always excuse himself by saying, "I didn't do anything wrong." Sometimes the problem is precisely that he did nothing. An adam gadol once remarked, "Indifference is the biggest killer."
Rav Shimon Schwab related a story from his youth. As a 20 year old student learning in Mir Yeshivah, he traveled to Radin to spend Shabbos with the Chofetz Chaim. The Chofetz Chaim greeted the young German bachur with extraordinary warmth. Taking Rav Schwab's hand in his own, the Chofetz Chaim said affectionately, "A yeshivah bachur! So many are drowning today. Only through Torah can one survive. How fortunate you are that you are learning!"
The Chofetz Chaim then asked, "Are you a Kohen?" "No," Rav Schwab replied. "Perhaps you have heard that I am a Kohen," said the Chofetz Chaim. "Yes," answered Rav Schwab. "Are you a Levi?" "No." "What a shame," said the Chofetz Chaim. "Moshiach is coming. The Beis Hamikdash will be rebuilt, and you will not be able to perform the avodah. Do you know why? Because three thousand years ago, your grandfather did not run when Moshe cried out, 'Mi LaHashem Eilai! Whoever is for Hashem, come to me!'"
Then the Chofetz Chaim concluded with a challenge that Rav Schwab never forgot: "The next time you hear that call, come running."
At the time of the Eigel, there were three groups. There were the sinners who actively participated in the aveirah. There was Shevet Levi, who courageously stood up for Hashem and were rewarded with the avodah in the Beis Hamikdash. Then there were the silent bystanders who remained neutral. The Torah teaches that neutrality in the face of wrongdoing is not innocence.
Rav Schwab later said, "I know exactly when the call of Mi LaHashem Eilai came in my own life, and I know that it was because of that conversation with the Chofetz Chaim that I answered the call." We find a similar lesson in Mitzrayim. Pharaoh had three advisers: Bilam, Yisro, and Iyov. Bilam actively encouraged the oppression of the Jews and was ultimately destroyed. Yisro opposed the decree and was forced to flee, but his descendants were zoiche to greatness. Iyov remained silent and was punished with terrible suffering. Once again, silence carried consequences.
Throughout life, each of us will hear a call of "Mi LaHashem Eilai." There will be moments when we know what is right, moments when speaking up is uncomfortable, and moments when remaining silent seems easier. When that call comes, may we have the courage not to stand on the sidelines, but to come running. For the lesson of the Eigel is that while wrongdoing is dangerous, indifference can be just as destructive. The builders of Klal Yisroel have always been those who answered the call of Hashem when others remained silent.
