And it came to pass when Moses raised his hand that Israel prevailed, etc.  Was it Moses’ hands that won the battle or lost the battle? Rather, [the Torah] teaches you: As long as Israel looked heavenward and subjected their heart to their Father in Heaven, they would prevail; but when they did not, they would fall.  In a similar matter you learn: Make a fiery serpent and set it upon a pole, and it shall come to pass that whoever is bitten will look at it, and live.  Was it the serpent that killed or the serpent that gave life? Rather, when Israel looked heavenward and subjected their heart to their Father in Heaven, they were healed; but when they did not, they perished.  A deaf person, an imbecile, and a minor cannot discharge the obligation of the many. This is the general rule: Whoever is not obligated [himself] in a matter cannot discharge the obligation of the many.