Lech Lecha
True / False - G-d tells Abraham exactly where G-d wants him to go - to the land of Israel.
False
His full name was Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki. He lived in France 1000 years ago, owned a vineyard, and is the most famous Torah commentator ever.
Rashi
Why does the Torah use the phrase “when you raise up the lamps” (בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ) instead of simply “when you light the lamps”?
To teach that lighting the Menorah required continued involvement until the flame stood on its own
"The people were כְּמִתְאֹנְנִים (k’mitonanim) — ‘as if complaining’ — and Hashem heard…" (Bamidbar 11:1-3). What does the word כְּמִתְאֹנְנִים (k’mitonanim - “as if complaining”) suggest about the people’s behavior?
They were complaining quietly or internally
Rashi comments: “God tells Moshe: “Send them if you want — it’s your choice.” The people asked for spies. Even though God already promised the land was good, they lacked trust.”
According to Rashi, who originally wanted the spies to be sent?
The people
Ramban says that leaving was a “great test” for Abraham. Why?
Because he had to trust G-d and leave his comfort zone
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimom was known as...
Maimonides / Rambam
According to Rashi, what was Aharon required to do when lighting the lamps?
Hold the flame until it burned independently
Why did B’nei Yisrael describe the food in Egypt as “free”?
They felt free from mitzvot and responsibility
Which type of information is Moshe most clearly asking the spies to gather?
Military and practical details about the land
What are the three things G-d tells Abraham to leave behind?
His homeland, his birthplace, his father’s house
Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman was known as the...
Nachmanides / Ramban
According to Sforno, why were all the lamps facing the center of the Menorah?
To represent unity and shared purpose
What does Rashi explain was really bothering the people about the manna?
They did not want to depend on Hashem for things like food
Why would God allow something He knows may end up in failure?
To teach about people to use their free will and take responsibility for their actions
Why does the lamplighter’s flame not get smaller when lighting other lamps?
Because sharing light increases it rather than diminishing it
What was the main lesson that eating manna in the desert was supposed to teach?
To teach daily trust in Hashem
According to Rashi, when Moshe asks the spies if there are any trees, what does the word “trees” symbolize?
Righteous individuals whose merit protects the land
What challenge of leadership is emphasized in the way the Menorah has to be lit?
Helping others without creating dependence
Why might people complain even when something good happens every day?
Routine can make even blessings feel ordinary
According to Midrash Tanchuma, why were there really so many funerals in Canaan?
God caused death and funerals in order to distract the locals from noticing the spies