Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'you shall be mad for the sight of your eyes' mean in Deuteronomy 28:34?
A: This verse describes one of the consequences of not following Hashem's commandments. According to Rashi, it means that the suffering and tragedies witnessed will be so overwhelming that they will cause mental distress and confusion, as if one has gone mad from the horrors seen.
Q: Why is this verse in the Torah?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in Deuteronomy, which outlines the consequences of abandoning the Torah's laws. The Rambam explains that these warnings serve as a deterrent, encouraging people to stay faithful to Hashem and His commandments to avoid such suffering.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: While we pray that such harsh punishments never come to pass, the verse reminds us of the importance of staying connected to Torah and mitzvot. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) teaches that suffering can sometimes serve as a wake-up call to return to righteousness and improve our ways.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'the sight of your eyes' in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this emphasizes how witnessing destruction and suffering firsthand—rather than just hearing about it—can have a profoundly disturbing effect on a person's mental state, leading to despair and confusion.
Q: Does this verse mean that Hashem wants people to suffer?
A: No. The Torah's warnings are meant to guide us toward righteousness. As the Rambam writes (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:1), Hashem desires repentance, not punishment. The consequences described are a result of human choices, not divine desire for suffering.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Devarim 28:34) appears in the section of the Tochacha (Rebuke), where Moshe warns Bnei Yisrael of the severe consequences they will face if they abandon the Torah. The phrase describes the psychological torment that will afflict those who witness the destruction and exile resulting from their disobedience.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the phrase "וְהָיִיתָ מְשֻׁגָּע מִמַּרְאֵה עֵינֶיךָ" refers to the mental anguish and confusion that will overwhelm a person when they see the horrors of exile and suffering. The word מְשֻׁגָּע (mad) implies a state of being driven to distraction by the unbearable sights, as if losing one's sanity due to the magnitude of the calamity.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra elaborates that this madness is not merely a reaction to physical suffering but stems from the inability to reconcile the devastation with one's understanding of divine justice. The suffering will be so extreme that it will challenge a person's mental stability, leading to confusion and despair.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) connects this verse to the exile and destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. It describes how the Jewish people, upon witnessing the Temple in ruins and their children taken captive, will be driven to a state of madness from grief and shock. The Midrash emphasizes that this is a consequence of straying from Torah observance.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) discusses how suffering serves as a wake-up call for repentance. The madness described in the verse is not just a punishment but also a means to prompt introspection and return to Hashem. The unbearable sights are meant to shake a person out of complacency and inspire teshuvah (repentance).
Practical Lessons