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Unklelus, in his Targum, as is fitting to his style, was not willing to equate the belief in Hashem that is described with the belief in Moshe. He translates: "They believed in the prophecy of Moshe, His servant." Hadar Zekeinim phrases it somewhat differently: "They believed that Moshe was Hashem’s servant and that everything he did was based on His command." The Ibn Ezra also explains that the belief was in Moshe’s relationship with Hashem.
The Alshich, on the other hand, said that already in Egypt, Bnei Yisrael believed in Moshe’s representation of Hashem. What changed at the Sea was that the multitude of other peoples who followed Bnei Yisrael believed in him.
According to each explanation, what changed further at Sinai? Rashi explains that there people began believing in prophets in general, besides Moshe. In other words, regarding Moshe, there was no need to strengthen belief. Ibn Ezra, though, said that there were many in Israel who believed that a spiritual being could not talk to a corporal being with the latter surviving. The Ramban sharply takes issue with this approach, saying that the offspring of Avraham would not doubt the existence of prophecy. The Ramban says that Moshe’s prophecy was strengthened so that if in some future generation, a "prophet" would say something that contradicted Moshe, Moshe’s word, which the nation witnessed, would prevail.
The Rambam (Yesodei Hatorah 8:1) said that the quality of the belief increased as a result of Sinai. The belief in Moshe was not based on the miracles he performed, for such belief carries some doubt as it can theoretically be performed by magic or sleight of hand. At Sinai, the people saw for themselves that Hashem spoke to Moshe, and therefore they would never come to doubt it.
It is fascinating, although not altogether surprising, that Moshe is viewed by hundreds of millions of people, from different religions, as a leading prophet. Of course, his centrality in Judaism, is at the very core of our belief.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
