- Q: What does “כָּל־הָֽעֵדָה” (the entire community) signify in Rashi’s commentary?
A: It signifies that the entire community was complete and poised to enter the land, as those who were to die in the desert had come to an end .
- Q: What is the significance of “הֹר הָהָֽר” (Mount Hor) according to Rashi?
A: Mount Hor is described as a summit atop a larger mountain. Despite the Cloud of Glory leveling mountains, three remained: Mount Sinai, Mount Nebo, and Mount Hor
- Q: Why did the Israelites lose a righteous man on the border of Edom?
A: They lost a righteous man because they associated with the wicked Esau, which breached the integrity of their conduct .
- Q: What was Moses instructed to do with Aaron and his son Eleazar on Mount Hor?
A: Moses was instructed to take Aaron and his son Eleazar up to Mount Hor, strip Aaron of his garments, and dress Eleazar in them .
- Q: How did Moses console Aaron about his impending death?
A: Moses consoled Aaron by telling him that he was fortunate to see his crown given over to his son, something Moses himself would not merit .
- Q: What did the Israelites do when they saw Moses and Eleazar descending without Aaron?
A: They asked where Aaron was, and upon learning of his death, Moses prayed for mercy, and the ministering angels showed them an image of Aaron lying on the bed .
- Q: How did the entire house of Israel react to Aaron’s death?
A: The entire house of Israel, both men and women, wept for Aaron for 30 days because he pursued peace and instilled love between quarreling parties and between husband and wife .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the Canaanite king of Arad’s attack on Israel?
A: Rashi explains that the Canaanite king of Arad attacked Israel after hearing that Aaron had died and the Clouds of Glory had disappeared .
- Q: How did the Israelites respond to the Canaanite king’s attack?
A: The Israelites made a vow to God, promising to dedicate the spoils of the Canaanite cities to Him if He delivered the people into their hands .
- Q: What miracle occurred at the valleys of the Arnon River according to Rashi?
A: The mountains moved, and the breast-like projections entered the crevices, killing the Amorites hiding there .
- Q: How did the Israelites commemorate the miracle at the valleys of the Arnon River? A: They recited a poem, “Ascend, well! Recite this poem to it,” to commemorate the miracle .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the well that provided water to the Israelites?
A: Rashi explains that the well was dug by princes, carved out by nobles, and given to the Israelites as a gift .
- Q: How did the well inform the Israelites of the miracles at the valleys of the Arnon River?
A: The well descended into the valley, drew up the blood of the slain, and carried it around the camp, so the Israelites saw the miracle .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the Israelites’ journey from Mount Hor by way of the Sea of Reeds?
A: Rashi explains that the Israelites retreated by way of the Sea of Reeds after Aaron’s death and the subsequent war .
- Q: Why did the Israelites become disheartened during their journey?
A: They became disheartened because the journey became too severe for them, and they felt they were turning back just as their fathers had .
- Q: What was the Israelites’ complaint against God and Moses during their journey?
A: They complained about being brought out of Egypt to die in the desert, with no bread or water, and being weary of the manna .
- Q: How did God respond to the Israelites’ complaint about the manna?
A: God sent venomous snakes against the people, and many Israelites died from the snake bites .
- Q: What did the Israelites do after being bitten by the venomous snakes?
A: They confessed their sin to Moses and asked him to pray to God to remove the snakes .
- Q: What did God instruct Moses to do to heal those bitten by the snakes?
A: God instructed Moses to make a copper snake and put it on a pole, so that anyone bitten could look at it and live .
- Q: How did the Israelites react to the copper snake on the pole?
A: Those bitten by snakes who looked at the copper snake were healed .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the Israelites’ encampment by the Ruins of the Passes?
A: Rashi explains that the Ruins of the Passes is the pass leading from Mount Nebo to Canaan .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the Israelites’ journey along the Arnon River?
A: Rashi explains that the Israelites traveled along the south and east border of Moab until they came to the other side of the Arnon River within Amorite territory .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the Israelites’ encampment in the valley of the Zered River?
A: Rashi does not provide specific commentary on the encampment in the valley of the Zered River .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the Israelites’ encampment on the side of the Arnon River?
A: Rashi explains that the Israelites encamped within a strip of land controlled by the Amorites, not entering the border of Moab .
- Q: What does Rashi say about the Israelites’ journey from the heights to the valley in the field of Moab?
A: Rashi explains that the well descended into the valley to publicize the miracles, and the Israelites recited a song in appreciation .