Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

Category

Back to Home -> 5752 ->


“Do not contend with them, for I will not give you of their land.” (2:5) – “Be not at enmity with Moav, and do not contend with them in battle.” (2:9) – “Do not harass them and do not contend with them for I will not give of the land of the children of Ammon to you for a possession.” (2:19)

After their lengthy sojourn in the desert, Bnei Yisrael had attained a reputation for their physical prowess which commanded profound respect. They had the “ability” to achieve many more conquests, exterminating their adversaries. Hashem implored them, however, three times to refrain from battle. He declared three adversaries who possessed choice pieces of land to be off limits. The Abarbanel cites Hashem’s desire to educate Bnei Yisrael as the reason for this command. Bnei Yisrael felt confident that they could defeat all opposition with their own strength. In order to curb their audacious attitude, it was essential to place specific controls…

Continue Reading

“In the vicinity of Paran, Tofel, Lavan, Chatzeros and Di Zahav.” (1:1)

Rashi explains that Moshe rebuked them for not gaining insight from the punishment which befell Miriam in Chatzeiros for speaking slanderously against Moshe. The Maharal Zt”l questions Rashi’s statement, since this rebuke regarding the spies slandering of Eretz Yisroel is derived from the word “Paran”, which connotes the sin of the spies. He responds that Moshe wanted to emphasize another sin to be attributed to the spies – not taking note of what happened to Miriam and reflecting on the evils of a slanderous tongue. According to the Maharal we learn of two sins for which the spies were held…

Continue Reading

“And Chatzeros and Di Zahav.” (1:1)

  Rashi explains that “Chatzeiros” refers to the dispute of Korach and “Di Zahav” refers to the Golden Calf, which Bnei Yisroel made as a result of the abundance of gold that they possessed. This explanation is not in chronological order since the sin of the Golden Calf happened prior to the dispute of Korach. Why then does Moshe change the order of transgressions during his rebuke of Klal Yisroel? The posuk in referring to the people’s request of Aharon to make another “leader” states: And they said to him make for us an oracle (or G-d) to lead us….

Continue Reading

“And Di Zahav.” (1:1)

The  Sifri adds a very  notable explanation to the  above words: “And a sufficient amount of gold for  the Mishkan, and a sufficient  amount of gold  for the  Golden Calf.”  One who  is a  fickle and crooked person steeped in hypocrisy  is worse than  one who is fully wicked. We  find that  Eliyahu Hanavi told the evil prophets of the Baal “How long will you continue to stand on both steps, if Hashem is G-d, then follow Him, if it is the Baal, then follow him.” Here is a clear illustration  that it is better  to  be  fully wicked  and…

Continue Reading

“How can I myself alone bear your trouble, your burden, and your strife.” (1:12)

  Rashi explains that the word “burden” indicates the blasphemous non-believers among the populace. Rabbi Nachman of Breslev Zt”l gives us to understand that one who does not believe in Hashem carries a mighty burden. The various questions for which he either does not seek, or will not accept any answer are burdensome, encumbering him wherever he may turn. The refusal to face certain realities because of foolish misgivings deprives a person of the sublime serenity which exists within those who truly believe in Hashem. Life with its various hardships is much easier for them to face. The various questions…

Continue Reading

“Do not attack Moab and do not provoke them to war.” (2:9)

The Talmud in Bava Kama (38a) states that Hashem spared the nations of Amon and Moav from certain destruction because of the two very special righteous women, Rus the Moabitea and Naama the Amonite who would descend from them. The Michtav M’eliyahu illustrates the concept of zechus avos (merits of ancestry) with the analogy of one who has a gold watch attached to a chain which is in turn attached to his garment. The chain, because it maintains the watch in its proper place, benefits its owner greatly. However, in its own right, it really has very little significance. Despite…

Continue Reading

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

You have Successfully Subscribed!