📘 Rashi Q&A

📘 Rashi Q&A — Bamidbar 4:21–28

 

4:22 — Counting Gershon

Q1. What does “נָשָׂא… גַּם־הֵם” teach?

A: Gershon is counted exactly like Kehat → only those fit for carrying service, not everyone.

Q2. What is the purpose of this census?

A: To identify those qualified for transport duty of the Mishkan.

 

4:23 — Age Range

Q3. Who is counted?

A: Ages 30–50.

Q4. Why specifically these years?

A:

• At 30 → full strength begins
• At 50 → strength begins to decline
  → only prime strength used for carrying loads

 

4:24 — Nature of Service

Q5. What is Gershon’s עבודה?

A: Two parts:

• Serving (setup/handling)
• Carrying (transport)

 

4:25 — Interior Coverings

Q6. What are “יְרִיעֹת הַמִּשְׁכָּן”?

A: The 10 inner woven curtains of the Mishkan.

Q7. What is “אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד”?

A: The goat‑hair covering layer placed above those curtains.

Q8. What is “מִכְסֵהוּ”?

A: The outer covering of red‑dyed ram skins.

Q9. What is “מָסַךְ פֶּתַח”?

A: The front entrance curtain (eastern side).

 

4:26 — Courtyard Items

Q10. What does “אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן” mean?

A: Items that surround and protect the Mishkan and Mizbeach →

• Courtyard curtains
• Screens enclosing the area

Q11. What are included in “כָּל אֲשֶׁר יֵעָשֶׂה לָהֶם”?

A: Anything assigned or handed over to Gershon for their עבודה.

 

4:27 — Authority Structure

Q12. How was Gershon’s עבודה managed?

A: Entirely by command of Aaron and his sons.

Q13. Which son had direct responsibility?

A: Itamar.

Q14. What does “וּפְקֻדַּת…מַשָּׂאָם” mean?

A: Each item was assigned clearly, so responsibility was precise.

 

4:28 — Summary of Gershon

Q15. What defines Gershon’s role overall?

A:

• Transport of all coverings and fabrics
• Work done under Itamar’s supervision
• Less dangerous than Kehat but still structured service