📘 Parsha Insights – Rashi Commentary Q&A on Rishon
Q1: Why does the verse say “וַה׳” (And God) when striking the firstborn (12:29)?
A: Wherever it says “וַה׳,” it refers to God and His heavenly court, because the prefix “ו” indicates addition.
Q2: Did only Egyptian firstborns die?
A: No. Even firstborns of other nations who were in Egypt died.
Q3: Why was Pharaoh spared although he was a firstborn?
A: So that God could show His power later at the Sea of Reeds, as it says: “Nevertheless, I have spared you for this purpose.”
Q4: Why were the firstborn of prisoners killed?
A: Because they rejoiced at Israel’s suffering and so they wouldn’t claim their gods caused the plague.
Q5: What does “no house without someone dead” mean (12:30)?
A:
- If there was a firstborn, he died.
- If not, the head of the household died (also called “בכור” in Scripture).
- Another explanation: Egyptian women were unfaithful, so many homes had multiple firstborns from different fathers.
Q6: Why did Pharaoh call Moses and Aaron at night (12:31)?
A: He personally went through the city crying out: “Where is Moses? Where is Aaron?”—showing urgency and fear.
Q7: What does Pharaoh mean by “as you said” (12:31)?
A: He admitted defeat: everything will be as Moses said, not as Pharaoh had previously demanded.
Q8: Why did Pharaoh ask for a blessing (12:32)?
A: Because he was a firstborn and feared dying in the plague.
Q9: Why did the Egyptians hurry Israel out (12:33)?
A: They said: “We are all dying!”—even non-firstborns were dying, worse than Moses’ warning.
Q10: Why did Israel carry leftover matzah and maror on their shoulders (12:34)?
A: They cherished the mitzvah items, even though they had animals to carry loads.
Q11: Why was clothing more valuable than gold and silver (12:35)?
A: Because the verse lists clothing last, indicating greater importance.
Q12: How far was Rameses to Sukkot (12:37)?
A: 120 mil, but they traveled quickly—“I carried you on the wings of griffon vultures.”
Q13: Who were the “mixed multitude” (12:38)?
A: Converts from other nations who joined Israel.
Q14: Why does the Torah praise Israel for not preparing provisions (12:39)?
A: They trusted God and left without asking: “How will we survive?”—as the prophet says: “I remember the loving-kindness of your youth…”
Q15: How do we understand the 430 years (12:40)?
A: It counts from the time of the Covenant “between the Pieces” until the Exodus:
- 30 years until Isaac’s birth
- 400 years from Isaac’s birth
- Total: 430 years.
Israel was in Egypt only 210 years.
Q16: What is “לֵיל שִׁמֻּרִים” (12:42)?
A: A night God was “watching for” to fulfill His promise. It remains a night of protection for Israel throughout generations.
Q17: Who is excluded from eating the Korban Pesach (12:43–45)?
A:
- A stranger (non-Jew or apostate Jew)
- A resident alien or hired laborer—even if circumcised.
Q18: Why must the Pesach be eaten in one group (12:46)?
A: To prevent splitting into two groups. However, they may move indoors if it rains, as proven from another verse.
Q19: Why is breaking bones prohibited?
A: Only bones with a kezayit of meat are included in the prohibition.
Q20: What law applies to converts (12:48–49)?
A: They must circumcise all males in their household before eating the Pesach. They are equal to natives in all laws.
