Beha’alosecha – Peninim on the Torah

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5755

“And Moshe said to him, ‘Are you being zealous for my sake? Would that the entire people of Hashem could be prophets'” (11:29)

Two elders prophesied in the camp. When Moshe’s son, Gershom, heard the prophecies, he ran to tell his father. According to one comment in the Midrash, the prophecy predicted Moshe’s imminent death in the desert and Yehoshua’s ascension to leadership. Moshe received the news of the prophecy calmly. Yehoshua, on the other hand, was greatly shaken by the prediction, and he asked Moshe to imprison the two prophets. Moshe’s response to his student Yehoshua reveals his greatness and underscores his brilliance as the quintessential leader of Klal Yisrael. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., derives from Moshe’s perspective the necessary attitude a…

Home -> 5755 -> Beha'alosecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5755

“Gather to Me seventy men from the elders of Yisrael, whom you know to be the elders of the people and their officers.” (11:16)

In Sanhedrin 29, Chazal state that these men constituted the Sanhedrin. This group of elders served as the Egyptian taskmasters over the Jews. They were selected for this prestigious position because of their unparalleled devotion to Bnei Yisrael — to the point of self-sacrifice. When Pharaoh insisted that they punish Bnei Yisrael, these foremen opted to be beaten mercilessly themselves, rather than inflict punishment upon their brethren. Chazal derive from the emphasis upon this character trait that one who risks his health and welfare on behalf of Klal Yisrael merits to achieve prominence and Divine inspiration. When Pharaoh selected these…

Home -> 5755 -> Beha'alosecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5755

“And they journeyed from the Mountain of Hashem a three day distance.” (10:33)

The Midrash views this journey from the Mountain of Hashem in an uncomplimentary manner. Chazal equate Bnei Yisrael’s departure with a “child who is running away from school,” happy to leave the holy place where he received mitzvos. Inasmuch as their venture away from the Har Hashem was in accordance with Hashem’s will, Bnei Yisrael’s attitude reflected a haste that was unbecoming and inappropriate. We must endeavor to understand the analogy to a child running from school. After all, Klal Yisrael was not delinquent in their departure. Horav Elyakim Shlesinger, Shlita, gives the following insight into this analogy. Why does…

Home -> 5755 -> Beha'alosecha

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Beha'alosecha, 5755

“When you kindle the lamps.” (8:2)

The parsha begins with the section which deals with the maintenance of the menorah. It follows immediately after the conclusion of Parashas Naso, which is concerned with the dedication of the mizbei’ach. Chazal address the juxtaposition of these two topics. They remark that upon witnessing the ceremonial activities and involvement of the nesiim in the altar’s dedication, Aharon Ha’Kohen became pained by his own and his shevet’s exclusion from them. Hashem responded to this concern by emphasizing Aharon’s unique opportunity to prepare and kindle the menorah. The Ramban notes the difficulty inherent in this statement. Aharon had the responsibility for…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Beha'alosecha -> 5755

“And Moshe said to him, ‘Are you being zealous for my sake? Would that the entire people of Hashem could be prophets'” (11:29)

“Gather to Me seventy men from the elders of Yisrael, whom you know to be the elders of the people and their officers.” (11:16)

“And they journeyed from the Mountain of Hashem a three day distance.” (10:33)

“When you kindle the lamps.” (8:2)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!