Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

Category

Back to Home -> Chukas ->


“And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the Bnei Yisrael came, the whole congregation, to the Har Ha’Har.” (20:22)

Rashi cites a Midrash which is particularly relevant in contemporary times. The pillar of cloud which travelled before Bnei Yisrael leveled out the mountains and flattened the hills which stood in Bnei Yisrael’s path. There remained, however, three mountains which resisted the shattering clouds: Har Sinai was spared, since the Torah would be given on it; Har Nevo was to be Moshe’s burial place; and Har Ha’Har was singled out as Aharon’s burial place. Horav M. Swift, z.l., poignantly expounds on this Midrash. He draws an analogy between the significance represented by the stated purpose of these mountains and important…

Continue Reading

“These are the journeys of Bnei Yisrael.” (33:1)

Rashi cites the Midrash which compares the recounting of Bnei Yisrael’s encampments to the following parable: A king once took his very ill son abroad, searching for a cure for his disease. He travelled with him to various doctors and medical centers throughout the world. Gradually, the son recovered and was able to return home. On their return trip, the father recounted the stopovers along the way where they had sought treatment for his malady. “Remember,” the father reminded the son, “here you slept, ubbah; here you had the chills, ubreuv; here you were plagued by a headache, lhatr ,t…

Continue Reading

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

You have Successfully Subscribed!