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Beit Midrash
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In Parashat Shemot, the Torah describes the staff with which Moshe would later hit the rock as follows: "This staff you shall take in your hand, and with it you shall do the signs (ottot)" (Shemot 4:17). Let us take a look at various places where the word ott is used.
There are a small number of mitzvot that are known as ottot. One of them is brit mila, which is a sign of the covenant between Hashem and the offspring of Avraham (Bereishit 17:11). Hashem said to Moshe after showing him the burning bush: "…I will be with you, and this will be for you the ott" (Shemot 3:3,12). Tefillin are also called an ott on one’s arms, as well as a remembrance on one’s head (Shemot 13:9). We find regarding Shabbat: "Just, you shall observe my Shabbat, for it is an ott between Me and you for your generations to know that I am Hashem who sanctifies you" (Shemot 31:13 – this pasuk appears after the giving of the Torah, but the mitzva was given already at Marah and likely, at least on some level, in Egypt). Finally, we note that the blood that was put on the houses of the Jews to keep the "destroyer" away when the firstborn Egyptians were being killed was called an ott(Shemot 12:13).
That which the entire list shares is that they all relate to the time that precedes the giving of the Torah. Chazal classify this period as "before the dibbur (speech)" (see Chagiga 6a with Rashi). This is, of course, referring to the hearing of Hashem speaking to the people at the revelation at Sinai.
We now have enough background to present an answer to our question about the change in policy toward hitting the rock. The first time, in Parashat Beshalach, was before matan Torah – in the period ofottot (physical signs) rather than dibbur (speech). At that time, using the staff to hit the rock was perfectly fine. After matan Torah, Bnei Yisrael’s leaders were not supposed to use the staff in that way. Only speech was permitted for the miracle at hand.
Let us pray that we will merit listening to divine speech and always knowing how to properly fulfill the word of Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
