Mefarshim – Q& on rashi
Rishon
Q: What does “toward the face of the Candelabrum” mean?
A: It refers to the wicks of the six lamps on the branches positioned toward the central lamp on the main stem.
Q: How was the Candelabrum constructed?
A: It was hammered out of a single block of gold, from its base to its flower, with no individual parts attached.
Q: What is the significance of the purification water for the Levites?
A: It cleanses them from defilement caused by contact with the dead.
Q: Why were the Levites required to shave with a razor?
A: To symbolize atonement for communal idolatry, which is metaphorically linked to death.
Q: What was the purpose of the young bull used by the Levites?
A: It served as an ascent-offering and symbolized atonement for communal idolatry.
Q: Why does the text emphasize Aaron’s adherence to instructions?
A: To highlight his praise-worthy dedication and compliance without deviation.
Q: What was special about the wave-offerings performed by Aaron?
A: They symbolized the sanctification of the Levites and their roles tied to the holiest objects and services.
Q: What does “from its base to its flower” signify in the Candelabrum?
A: It illustrates the seamless construction of the entire Candelabrum from a single block of gold.
Q: What visual aid did God provide Moshe to understand the Candelabrum’s construction?
A: God showed Moshe a visual representation using His finger.
Q: Why is the term “second” used for the second young bull?
A: To indicate that both the ascent-offering and sin-offering bulls were handled similarly and not eaten.
Q: How were the Levites appointed for service?
A: They were convinced through words and rituals that emphasized their unique role as servants of God.
Q: Why were the Levites required to be gathered before the community?
A: To have the community lay hands on them, symbolizing their role as atonement-offerings.
Q: What is unique about the clan of Kehat’s service?
A: They carried the holiest objects, such as the Ark and the Table.
Q: What was the role of the clan of Gershon?
A: They managed the sacred tapestries visible inside the Holy of Holies.
Q: Why is the construction of the Candelabrum described as unusual?
A: It was fashioned entirely from one piece of gold, without separate components.
Q: What is the significance of the Levites as “wave-offerings”?
A: It underscores their sanctification and dedication to God’s service.
Q: How does the shaving ritual tie to the metzora?
A: It connects the Levites’ atonement for communal idolatry to the purification process of the metzora.
Q: Why was the Levites’ ritual considered unique?
A: It included elements of purification, sacrifice, and communal participation, emphasizing their pivotal role in service.
Sheiyni
Q: What is the significance of the phrase “נְתֻנִים נְתֻנִים” (Given, given)?
A: It indicates two tasks: the Levites were given over for transporting the Tabernacle and for singing in the Sanctuary.
Q: What does the term “פִּטְרַת” mean in the given context?
A: It refers to the opening of something.
Q: Why does God state “For all the firstborn…are Mine”?
A: The firstborn were originally God’s by strict right, as He protected them during the plague in Egypt, until they strayed by worshiping the Golden Calf. The Levites were taken in their stead.
Q: Why are “The Israelites” mentioned five times in one verse?
A: To emphasize God’s affection towards them, as their mention corresponds to the five books of the Torah.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase “so that the Israelites will not be inflicted with a plague”?
A: It means that the Israelites need not approach the Sanctuary, as doing so improperly could lead to a plague.
Q: Who participated in the Levites’ ritual according to the phrase “Moshe, Aaron, and the entire assembly…did”?
A: Moshe had the Levites stand before God, Aaron lifted them as a wave-offering, and the Israelites laid their hands upon them.
Q: What does “They did…just as God had commanded” emphasize?
A: It highlights the obedience and praise of both those who performed the ritual and those who participated in it without protesting.
Q: What does the phrase “This is [the rule] concerning the Levites” teach us?
A: It indicates that age disqualifies Levites from service, but bodily defects do not, unlike priests for whom such defects do disqualify.
Q: How is the age discrepancy between “25 years old” and “30 years old” explained?
A: At 25, Levites began training and preparation, while at 30, they started their actual service.
Q: What does “And do no more work” refer to?
A: It specifies that Levites no longer carried sacred objects on their shoulders, but could still perform tasks like closing gates, singing, and loading wagons.
Q: What does וְשֵׁרֵת אֶת אֶחָיו (“he must serve his brethren”) imply?
A: It means they joined their brothers in communal service, as interpreted by Onkelos.
Q: What is meant by “To keep the charge”?
A: It refers to the Levites’ duty to encamp around the Tent to keep laypeople away, and to assemble and dismantle the Tabernacle during travels.
Revi’i
Q: What is the significance of הַמִּשְׁכָּן לְאֹהֶל הָֽעֵדֻת?
A: This phrase highlights the Tabernacle’s purpose as a dwelling for the Tablets of the Testimony.
Q: What does הֵֽעָלוֹת הֶֽעָנָן (“the cloud moved away”) describe?
A: It signifies the movement of the cloud, indicating when the Israelites should prepare to travel, as translated by Onkelos.
Q: How did the Israelites know when to move or make camp?
A: They followed the cloud’s position. Its movement signaled travel, while its stationary presence indicated encampment. Moshe also played a role in initiating these actions through specific proclamations.
Q: What role did trumpets serve?
A: Trumpets were used for various ceremonial functions, including summoning the community, calling the princes, and signaling the departure of divisions.
Q: What is meant by עֲשֵׂה לְךָ (“Make yourself”) in relation to the trumpets?
A: This directive implies that Moshe was to personally oversee the creation of the trumpets, ensuring their exclusive use for divine purposes.
Q: What was the purpose of blowing the trumpets during sacrifices?
A: They were blown over communal offerings to signify divine remembrance and sovereignty, emphasizing the spiritual connection during celebrations and key moments.
Q: How were different groups summoned using the trumpets?
A: A teki’ah (long blast) on both trumpets summoned the community, while a teki’ah on one trumpet called the princes. For departure signals, a sequence of teki’ah, teru’ah (short blasts), and another teki’ah was used.
Q: Who was responsible for blowing the trumpets?
A: Only the descendants of Aaron, the priests, were tasked with blowing the trumpets during these occasions.
Q: What does “I am God, your God” add to the context of trumpet use?
A: It underscores the importance of acknowledging divine sovereignty during all moments of remembrance, including celebrations and sacrificial rituals.
Shishi
Q: What does “Arise, God! May Your enemies be scattered” signify in Rashi’s commentary?
A: Rashi explains that Moshe was requesting the ark to pause and wait for the people, so God’s enemies could scatter and those who hate Him would flee.
Q: How does Rashi interpret “those who hate You”?
A: Rashi identifies “those who hate You” as those who hate Israel, as hating Israel is equivalent to hating God.
Q: Why did Rashi emphasize the importance of the ark “not being in its proper place”?
A: Rashi comments that interruptions were inserted here to break up consecutive failings of the Jewish people.
Q: What is the meaning of “repose, God, among the myriads and thousands of Israel” according to Rashi?
A: Rashi explains that the Divine Presence does not rest among Israel unless they number at least 22,000 people.
Q: How does Rashi interpret the term “the people sought a pretext”?
A: Rashi notes that “the people” refers to wicked individuals seeking excuses to avoid following God.
Q: What does Rashi say about the phrase “weeping with their families”?
A: Rashi suggests it refers to groups of families grieving openly or lamenting forbidden relationships.
Q: How did Rashi interpret the Israelites crying about having no meat?
A: Rashi argues that the complaint was insincere, as they had plenty of livestock, and it was an attempt to seek a pretext to rebel.
Q: Why does Rashi say the Israelites recalled fish “freely” in Egypt?
A: Rashi clarifies that “freely” meant free from commandments, not that food was provided without cost.
Q: According to Rashi, why did the manna not taste like certain vegetables?
A: Rashi explains that these vegetables were harmful to nursing women, which was why their taste wasn’t replicated in the manna.
Q: What does Rashi say about the shape and color of the manna?
A: Rashi describes the manna as round like coriander seeds and its color as resembling crystal.
Q: How does Rashi interpret the phrase “the dew descended on the camp at night”?
A: Rashi explains that the manna was concealed within layers of dew, serving as protection.
- Who were Eldad and Meidad, and why did they remain in the camp?
Rashi explains that Eldad and Meidad were among those chosen to become elders, but they felt unworthy of the position and did not go to the Tent of Meeting. Despite this, the spirit of prophecy rested upon them.
- What does Rashi say about the phrase “וְהֵמָּה בַּכְּתֻבִים” (“They were among those written”)?
Rashi interprets this to mean Eldad and Meidad were among those selected for the Sanhedrin. Their names were written on tickets, but the selection of elders was determined by lottery.
- How does Rashi describe the process Moshe used to select the 70 elders?
Moshe wrote “elder” on 70 of 72 tickets, leaving two blank. Each candidate drew a ticket, and those who drew “elder” were appointed. The two who drew blanks were told they were not chosen by God.
- Why does Rashi say 72 names were included when only 70 elders were needed?
This was to ensure that no tribe would be offended by having fewer representatives. Six men were selected from each of the 12 tribes.
- What does Rashi say about the lad who ran to tell Moshe about Eldad and Meidad prophesying?
According to Rashi, some say the lad was Gershom, Moshe’ son.
- How does Rashi interpret Joshua’s request to “Exhaust them” (כְּלָאֵֽם)?
Rashi offers two explanations: First, Joshua suggested burdening Eldad and Meidad with public affairs so they would stop their prophecies. Second, he suggested imprisoning them.
- What prophecy does Rashi attribute to Eldad and Meidad?
Rashi explains that their prophecy was about Moshe’ death and Joshua’s future leadership of the Israelites.
- How does Rashi explain Moshe’ response to Joshua, “Are you zealous for my sake?”?
Rashi interprets this as Moshe questioning Joshua’s zeal, suggesting that Joshua was overly concerned on Moshe’ behalf.
- What does Rashi say about Moshe’ wish, “If only all God’s people were prophets”?
Rashi explains that Moshe expressed a desire for all Israelites to receive the spirit of prophecy, not just a select few.
- How does Rashi interpret the term “לִי” in Moshe’ response to Joshua?
Rashi notes that “לִי” means “for my sake,” implying that Joshua’s zeal was misplaced.
- What significance does Rashi attribute to the phrase “וַיִּשָּֽׁאֲרוּ שְׁנֵֽי־אֲנָשִׁים” (“Now two men remained”)?
Rashi explains that Eldad and Meidad remained in the camp because they considered themselves unworthy of the position of elder.
- Why did Moshe use a lottery system, according to Rashi?
Rashi explains that Moshe used a lottery system to ensure fairness and to avoid disputes among the tribes.
- How does Rashi clarify the phrase “The Omnipresent did not choose you”?
Rashi interprets this as Moshe’ way of explaining to those who drew blank tickets that their non-selection was God’s decision, not his own.
- Why does Rashi mention the mixed multitude in connection with other events?
While not directly related to Eldad and Meidad, Rashi often uses context from other events to highlight how different groups within Israel behaved, including those not fully committed to God’s covenant.
- What does Rashi say about the fairness of tribal representation among the elders?
Rashi notes that Moshe ensured equal representation by selecting six men from each tribe, avoiding any perception of favoritism.
- According to Rashi, how did Eldad and Meidad react to their unworthiness?
Rashi explains that their humility played a key role in their decision to remain in the camp rather than join the other elders.
- What does Rashi suggest about the general attitude of the elders and their selection process?
Rashi hints that the selection process was divinely guided, ensuring that those best suited for leadership were chosen.
- How does Rashi view Moshe’ leadership throughout this event?
Rashi portrays Moshe as a fair and humble leader, willing to share authority and guided by divine wisdom.
- What does Rashi imply about the spirit of prophecy resting on Eldad and Meidad?
Rashi suggests that their prophecy was a result of divine will, emphasizing that God can bestow His spirit on whomever He chooses.
- How does Rashi integrate humility as a theme in his commentary on Eldad and Meidad?
Rashi highlights their humility, showing how their self-perceived unworthiness led to a unique and unexpected blessing of prophecy.
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