GEN1602 Whoever makes a multitude meritorious, no sin shall come through him; but whoever brings a multitude to sin will not be given the means to achieve repentance. Moses attained virtue and brought the multitude to virtue; so the merit of the multitude is referred to him, as it is stated: “He effected the righteousness of the Lord, and His ordinances with Israel... Deuteronomy 33:21; Pirkei Avot V:21 …  From the Almighty, Moses sought charity; with the people Israel, he strove for mishpat, justice and right law. Before Heaven, Moses pleaded for the charity of understanding, mercy, patience, forgiveness for his people. But when he turned to his people, he was stern. He taught them not merely piety, reverence, and hope, but also exacting law. And he upbraided them for their stubbornness and blindness; he took them to task for their shortcomings; he would admonish, rebuke, correct them. This is the approach of the thoughtful leader, his teachings tempered by love. The patriarch Jacob took a similar approach. About to die, he called together his sons, and in telling, cutting words, castigated some for their misdeeds. Yet afterward we read, “everyone according to his blessing he blessed them.” [this verse]. It is no benison to merely praise, flatter, and give hope of a splendid future. Where criticism is needed because improvement is needed, it is a blessing to have the criticism well given and well taken, harsh though it may be. But where Heaven’s aid is sought, for the security and welfare of our people or our sons, there only kindness and mercy should be invoked. SINAI3 193