Deuteronomy Rabbah

So I really loved learning this.

We're presented with a series of episodes, and this is in the end of Devarim Rabbah, in the 11th chapter.

So this is Midrash, Midrashic commentary on the Book of Devarim, and it focuses on Moshe.

And Moshe, in this chapter, comes into contact, into conversation with a number of different characters and, you know, for our listeners, I really recommend looking at the entire Midrash here, not just about Noach.

The Torah starts with Adam HaRishon and ends with Moshe Rabbeinu, and there is a connection.

The Midrash in Devarim Rabbah has a debate between Adam and Moshe.

Adam claims to be greater because he was made directly by Hashem, betzelem Elokim.

Moshe says that he is more exalted because the honor given to Adam was taken away, whereas the radiance that came from Moshe's face after he receives the second luchot, the second tablets, never left Moshe.

This naturally led to an extra degree of affection toward him and a greater sense of emotional loss at his passing.

The Midrash in Devarim Rabbah informs us that Moshe's death was mourned deeply and not only on earth.

The moment of Moshe's passing was a cosmic loss.

Hashem himself cried out, Who will rise up for me against the wicked? The heavens and the earth wept and mourned the loss of a righteous man.