* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha and Rashi's commentary. Parshas Bo For the week ending 6 Shevat 5755 6 & 7 January 1995 =========================================================================== This issue is dedicated in honor of Judy & Peter Sheldon Sandra & Stephen Seltzer of Westcliff, England and of Roslyn Heights, New York on the engagement of their children Ella Sheldon and Lev Seltzer =========================================================================== Parsha Questions 1. According to Rashi, why did Pharaoh refuse to allow the children of the Jewish People to go into the desert? 2. How did the plague of arbeh (locusts) brought by Moshe differ from the plague brought in the days of Yoel? 3. How did the first three days of the plague of darkness differ from the second three days? 4. During the plague of darkness, what happened to the Jews who were wicked? 5. Where was Moshe when he received the prophecy regarding Makas Bechoros (the plague of the first born)? 6. Makas Bechoros took place exactly at midnight. Why did Moshe tell Pharaoh that it would take place "about midnight" (11:4)? 7. Why did the first born of the slaves die? 8. Why did the first born of the animals die? 9. Why did Hashem give the first mitzvah (Rosh Chodesh) to Aaron, and not only to Moshe? 10. Up to what age is an animal fit to be a Korban Pesach? 11. Prior to the exodus from Egypt, what two mitzvos involving blood did Hashem give to the Jewish People? 12. Which parts of the Korban Pesach were the Jewish People forbidden to eat? 13. Where did the Jewish People place the blood from the Korban Pesach? 14. Who among the first born of Egypt survived Makas Bechoros? 15. Why did Pharaoh ask Moshe to bless him? 16. Why did the Jewish People carry their matzos on their shoulders rather than have their animals carry them? 17. Who comprised the erev rav ("mixed multitude")? 18. What three historical events occurred on the 15th of Nissan, prior to the event of the Exodus from Egypt? 19. What is the source of the "milk and honey" found in Eretz Yisrael? 20. The only tamei (non-Kosher) animal whose first-born is redeemed is the donkey. Why were the donkeys favored? Bonus Question: Pharaoh told Moshe, "You shall not again see my face." Moshe responded, "You have spoken correctly, I will not see your face again." (10:28-29). How did Moshe know that Hashem wouldn't send him to see Pharaoh again? I Did Not Know That! "You shall eat matzos until the twenty-first day of the month..." (12:18). The word "matzos" is written without the letter "vav" (the numerical value of vav is six), to teach that during the last six days of Pesach a person is not obligated to eat matzah. Ba'al HaTurim =========================================================================== Answers to this Week's Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated 1. 10:11 - He felt that since children don't bring sacrifices, there was no need for them to go. 2. 10:14 - The plague brought by Moshe was comprised of one species of locust, whereas the plague in the days of Yoel was comprised of many species. 3. 10:22 - During the first three days, the Egyptians were unable to see. During the second three days they were unable to move as well. 4. 10:22 - They died. 5. 11:4 - In front of Pharaoh. 6. 11:4 - Moshe was afraid that Pharaoh's astrologers would miscalculate the time. Therefore, if he said the plague would begin exactly at midnight, they might make a mistake and accuse Moshe of lying. 7. 11:5 - Because they also subjugated the Jewish People and rejoiced in their suffering. 8. 11:5 - Because the Egyptians worshipped them as gods and when Hashem punishes a nation He also punishes its gods. 9. 12:1 - As a reward for toiling together with Moshe in bringing about the plagues. 10. 12:5 - One year. 11. 12:6 - Circumcision and Korban Pesach. 12. 12:8 - The bones and the sinews. 13. 12:13 - On the inner side of the door-post of their houses. 14. 12:29 - Pharaoh. 15. 12:32 - In order that he would not die in the plague. 16. 12:34 - Because the commandment of matzah was dear to them. 17. 12:38 - People from other nations who became converts. 18. 12:41 - The angels came to promise that Sarah would have a son, Yitzchak was born, and the exile of the "covenant between parts" was decreed. 19. 13:5 - The milk is from goats and the honey is from dates and figs. 20. 13:13 - They assisted the Jewish People during the exile. Bonus Answer: Sifsei Chachamim: When a tzaddik decrees that something will be, then Hashem fulfills his decree. Rabbi S.R. Hirsch: Moshe had already been told about makas bechoros (plague of the firstborn), and that this would bring about the redemption immediately. He told Pharaoh about it immediately and then left him, knowing there was nothing further to talk about. =========================================================================== Ohr Somayach Institutions is an international network of Yeshivot and outreach centers, with branches in North America, Europe, South Africa and South America. The Central Campus in Jerusalem provides a full range of educational services for over 550 full-time students. The Jewish Learning Exchange (JLE) of Ohr Somayach offers summer and winter programs in Israel that attract hundreds of university students from around the world for 3 to 8 weeks of study and touring. =========================================================================== This publication is available via FAX and REGULAR POST within Israel. For information, please send E-Mail to ohr@jer1.co.il or send a fax to 972-2-812890 with your name & fax number, or write to the address below. =========================================================================== Dedication opportunities are available for Parsha Q&A Please contact us for details. =========================================================================== Jewish L EEEEEEEE Prepared by Ohr Somayach Institutions J L E 22 Shimon Hatzadik Street, POB 18103 J L Exchange Jerusalem 91180, Israel J J L E Tel: 02-810315 Fax: 02-812890 JJJJ Learning EEEEEEEE Internet: ohr@jer1.co.il =========================================================================== Written and Compiled by Rabbi Eliyahu Kane Production Editor: Rabbi Moshe Newman Production Design: Lev Seltzer =========================================================================== (C) 1994 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved. This publication may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue newsletters. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission, and then send us a sample of an issue.