📜 Daily Chumash & Rashi – Parshas Ki Savo Shevi’i: Moshe recounts the miracles witnessed by Bnei Yisrael

Shevi’i

1. Moshe recounts the miracles witnessed by Bnei Yisrael:

• Moshe called to the Jewish people and said to them “You have seen all that Hashem has done to Egypt, and to Pharaoh, his servants and all his land. You saw all the great miracles and wonders. You have not been given by G-d a heart to know and an eye to see and an ear to hear until this day. You have traveled the desert for 40 years and saw that your clothing and shoes did not get worn out. You did not eat bread, and wine and beer you did not drink, [and rather you lived off the Mun].
• Sichon the king of Cheshbon and Og the king of Bashan came against us in war and we smote them. We took their land and gave it as an inheritance to Reuvein, Gad, and half of Menasheh. You are to guard this covenant in order so you will succeed in all that you do.

 

Q&A on Rashi

 

Parsha Bee – Devarim 29:1–8 (Rashi)

1. What had Bnei Yisrael personally witnessed in Egypt?
   Answer: The plagues, miracles, signs, and wonders performed against Pharaoh and Egypt.
2. What does “the great trials” refer to?
   Answer: The miraculous events and tests witnessed in Egypt.
3. According to Rashi, what does “a heart to know” mean?
   Answer: To recognize Hashem’s kindness and cleave to Him.
4. What had Hashem not given Israel until that day?
   Answer: A heart to know, eyes to see, and ears to hear.
5. Why did Moshe say “until this day”?
   Answer: Because on that day Israel demonstrated their love and attachment to the Torah.
6. What happened when Moshe gave the Torah scroll to the tribe of Levi?
   Answer: All Israel protested that the Torah belonged to them as well.
7. What concern did the people express?
   Answer: That Levi might later claim the Torah was given only to them.
8. How did Moshe react to the people’s concern?
   Answer: He rejoiced.
9. Why did Moshe rejoice?
   Answer: Because he saw that the people loved the Torah and wished to remain connected to Hashem.
10. Which verse did Moshe say because of this event?
    Answer: “This day, you have become a people to the Lord your God.”
11. What did Moshe mean by “This day, you have become a people”?
    Answer: That he now understood their deep attachment to Hashem.
12. How long had Israel traveled in the wilderness?
    Answer: Forty years.
13. What miracle happened to their clothing?
    Answer: Their garments did not wear out.
14. What miracle happened to their shoes?
    Answer: Their shoes did not wear out.
15. What did Israel not eat in the wilderness?
    Answer: Regular bread.
16. What did Israel not drink in the wilderness?
    Answer: New wine or old wine.
17. Why did Hashem provide for them in this unusual way?
    Answer: So they would know that He is Hashem their God.
18. Which two kings came out to fight Israel?
    Answer: Sichon and Og.
19. What happened to Sichon and Og?
    Answer: Israel defeated them.
20. What lesson does Rashi derive from “And then you arrived at this place”?
    Answer: Now that you have achieved greatness, do not become arrogant.
21. What danger accompanies success and honor?
    Answer: Pride and rebellion against Hashem.
22. What should Israel do instead of becoming haughty?
    Answer: Observe the words of the covenant.
23. What is Rashi’s second explanation of “Hashem did not give you a heart to know until this day”?
    Answer: A student does not fully understand his teacher until after forty years.
24. How many years had passed since the Exodus?
    Answer: Forty years.
25. What happened after forty years according to this explanation?
    Answer: Israel was finally expected to fully understand and appreciate their teacher’s wisdom.
26. Why had Hashem not been strict with Israel before this point?
    Answer: Because they had not yet reached full understanding.
27. What changes after forty years?
    Answer: Greater responsibility and accountability.
28. To whom was the conquered land east of the Jordan given?
    Answer: Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe.
29. What is the purpose of observing the covenant according to verse 8?
    Answer: So that one will succeed in all that one does.
30. What is the main theme of this section according to Rashi?
    Answer: Recognizing Hashem’s kindness, deepening one’s understanding of Torah, and faithfully keeping the covenant.

Bonus: According to Rashi, how long does it take for a student to fully grasp the depth of his teacher’s wisdom?
Answer: Forty years.