Mefarshim  

📘 Parsha Insights – Rashi Commentary Q&A on Shishi

Q1: How is the land of Israel described compared to Egypt?
🌟 A: It is better than Egypt, even Hebron (the poorest part of Israel) was better than Tzo’an (the finest part of Egypt).

Q2: Why does the Torah emphasize that Hebron was built seven years before Tzo’an?
🏠 A: To show that Hebron was seven times better built than Tzo’an, despite being reserved for burying the dead.

Q3: How was water obtained for irrigation in Egypt?
🚶‍♂️ A: By foot, manually carrying water from the Nile to irrigate the fields.

Q4: How is the land of Israel watered?
🌧️ A: By rain from the sky, with Hashem providing water for both low and high areas equally.

Q5: Why is mountain land in Israel considered better than plain land?
⛰️ A: Mountain land yields more crops, as seeds can be sown on its slopes and peak, unlike the plain.

Q6: What does “the eyes of Hashem are always upon it” mean?
👀 A: Hashem constantly watches over the land, reassessing decrees based on the merits of its inhabitants.

Q7: What does the doubled verb “if you heed” teach us?
📖 A: If you review old Torah material, you will discover new insights.

Q8: Why must mitzvos feel fresh and new every day?
🕊️ A: They should be as exciting as if you heard them for the first time today.

Q9: What does “serve Hashem with all your heart” refer to?
🙏 A: Prayer, which is considered a service of the heart.

Q10: What blessing is associated with rain falling “in its time”?
🌙 A: Rain will fall at night or on Friday nights, so it doesn’t interfere with work.

Q11: What is the difference between the early rain (יוֹרֶה) and the latter rain (מַלְקוֹשׁ)?
🌱 A: Early rain saturates the soil after sowing; latter rain ripens the crops close to harvest.

Q12: What does “you will eat and be sated” imply?
🍞 A: A blessing that the bread in your stomach will be unusually filling.

Q13: Why does Rashi warn against rejecting Hashem after being sated?
⚠️ A: Being full and comfortable can lead to arrogance and forgetting Hashem.

Q14: What happens if Torah study is neglected?
📚 A: It can lead to idolatry, as neglecting Torah distances one from Hashem.

Q15: What does “set these words of Mine upon your heart” teach about exile?
🛡️ A: Even in exile, perform mitzvos like tefillin and mezuzot, so they remain familiar when you return.

Q16: Why does Rashi say to teach Torah to children as soon as they can speak?
👶 A: So their first words are Torah, ensuring they grow up connected to Hashem.

Q17: What does “you will gather your grain” promise?
🌾 A: That you, not your enemies, will gather your crops, unlike in times of Midian’s attacks.

Q18: Why does Rashi say grass will grow in your fields?
🐄 A: So animals won’t need to be led to desert areas for grazing.

Q19: What does “beware lest your heart be misled” warn against?
⚠️ A: Becoming arrogant after being sated and forgetting Hashem’s commandments.

Q20: What does Rashi say about the resurrection of the dead?
🌅 A: The phrase “to give them” (not “to give you”) hints at the resurrection of the dead in the Torah.