YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Shmot
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Revital Bat Lea
Moshe’s "career" as Bnei Yisrael’s leader began when Hashem instructed him at the burning bush to go to Egypt to tell Paroh to set them free. This episode is introduced with the simple description of Moshe as a shepherd leading his flock in the desert (Shemot 3:1). However, Chazal saw this role as the precursor to his leadership role. The analogy between leading a flock of sheep and leading a flock of humans is well-known. However, we find the analogy in relation to Moshe’s other major role, as the one who received Torah from Hashem and taught it to the nation.
Following is a metaphoric verse from Kohelet (12:11), as translated in the Art Scroll edition: "The words of the wise are like goads, and the nails well driven are the sayings of the masters of collections, coming from one Shepherd." Chazal understand this pasuk in relation to Torah and its study. The end of the pasuk responds to the issue of dealing with disputes among rabbis when one would hope for unanimity. The pasuk assures us that, in the final analysis, all of the opinions stem from the giving of the Torah by one shepherd. "All are ‘coming from one shepherd’- one G-d gave them, one leader said them in the name of the Master of all creations" (Chagiga 3b). Some commentators understand that the shepherd is Hashem, our ultimate leader, who gave the Torah. However, the Midrash Tanchuma (Beha’alotcha 16) relates it to Moshe, bringing the pasuk from our parasha as evidence that Moshe is a known shepherd.
What made Kohelet feel that Moshe’s one-time occupation as a shepherd epitomized his appropriateness to receive the Torah on Bnei Yisrael’s behalf? The Kli Yakar on our pasuk explained that Moshe would take his flock to quiet places where he philosophized and contemplated the Creator. This is an experience that is conducive for emerging prophets. As we recall, the Rambam considers the supreme level of Moshe’s prophecy, which made him appropriate to receive the Torah, as a basic tenet of faith.
However, there are likely other connections between the shepherd and the lawgiver. A shepherd does not produce anything, as a craftsman or a farmer does. Rather, he protects and sustains the flock by enabling them to graze themselves. So too, Moshe the teacher was not supposed to create new ideas but to relay that which Hashem had taught in the purest possible form. That is not a small task. A teacher needs to not only know how to teach the material but he is also responsible to ensure that the recipients in check. He is like a shepherd, who can easily become unfit to testify (see Bava Metzia 5b). If a shepherd allows his sheep to graze in unauthorized fields, he is considered a thief because of their actions.
The Maharsha (on Chagiga 3b) explains that the Kohelet’s shepherd is referring both to Moshe and to Hashem. This indicates that he who learns Hashem’s Torah and teaches it to others is a partner with Hashem in leading and sustaining his and His flock.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
