The purpose of the serpent’s bite was to alert the people to the dangers which lurk in the wilderness. This awareness would make Bnei Yisrael cognizant of Hashem’s miraculous power which had kept these dangerous creatures far away from them in the past. Indeed, the people had not even known of their existence. When an individual was bitten, he had only to transfix the serpent’s image upon his mind. This image would remind him that even when he is protected from these serpents, through Hashem’s graciousness, the danger is a real one. This thought reinforces the concept that every…
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With this pasuk we are introduced to a rare form of ingratitude. Horav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch Z”l points out that Bnei Yisrael’s discontent turned directly against Hashem. They did not doubt the authenticity of Moshe’s mission, but rather they felt that Hashem’s guidance was inadequate. In complaining about the manna, the miracle food from heaven, they were undoubtedly not complaining about a lack of nourishment. Their grievance lay in the fact that they weren’t eating “natural” food in the ordinary human way. The effortless, albeit miraculous, way of receiving bodily sustenance had become monotonous and tiresome. Instead of appreciating…
Rashi explains the reason that all of Bnei Yisrael grieved over Aharon’s death was his devotion to the promotion of harmony and love among all of the people. Indeed, this is stated in Avos (1:13), Be of the disciples of Aharon, love peace and pursue peace, love the people and bring them closer to the Torah. Dedication to seeking peace and harmony among people is a noble trait. Aharon exemplified this attribute through his loving sincerity in pursuing peace. His endeavor emanated from a deep sense of love for Bnei Yisrael . He did not desire to ingratiate himself in…