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“And it shall be if you will listen diligently to My mitzvos.” (11:13)

Rashi explains the apparent redundancy of the verb listen with the comment “If you will listen to the old, then you will listen to the new.” The old and the new each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The old maintains a certain authoritative authenticity which is not characteristic of the new. The old has demonstrated stability and strength by withstanding the test of time. On the other hand, the old lacks the freshness which is a unique component of the new. The heritage of the past should guide and inspire the framework during every new step. While novelty…

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“And Bnei Yisrael journeyed from Beeros Bnei Yaakon to Moserah, there Aharon died and there he was buried.” (10:6)

A number of questions concerning the text of this pasuk are appropriate. First, Bnei Yisrael did not travel from Beeros to Moserah. On the contrary, Moserah preceded Beeros in their list of encampments. Rashi cites the Midrash which explains that this was actually part of Moshe’s rebuke to Bnei Yisrael. Aharon’s death at Har Hahar effected the departure of the clouds of glory, which had previously protected them in the desert. This change caused great consternation among many of the people. In the ensuing confusion, the people attempted to return to Egypt. After traveling back eight encampments to Moserah they…

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“And you will say in your heart, it is my strength and the power of my hand that performed this valorous deed… and walk after other gods and serve them.” (8:17-19)

As Bnei Yisrael neared the culmination of their forty year trek in the desert, Moshe warned them of the pitfalls that might accompany their successful entry into Eretz Yisrael. As they forged their way, conquering the seven nations whose might was to prove no match for the Divinely ordained army of Bnei Yisrael, they might fall prey to pride and haughtiness. They might even begin to believe that their own military prowess enabled them to defeat their enemies. They might forget that it was Hashem who had promised them that these events would occur and that it was only through…

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