* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha and Rashi's commentary Parshas Va'eschanan For the week ending 16 Av 5755 11 & 12 August 1995 =========================================================================== This issue is dedicated in memory of Eve Lynn Koppele on her first Yahrzeit 19 Av 5755 =========================================================================== Parsha Questions 1. Why did Moshe choose this particular time to ask Hashem for permission to enter the Land? 2. What characteristic trait is represented by Hashem's "strong hand"? 3. Why did Moshe want to go to Levanon? 4. Hashem refused only part of Moshe's request to enter Eretz Canaan. Which part was granted and not refused? 5. What causes the nations of the world to view the Jewish People as a wise and understanding nation? 6. What will happen if the Jewish People fail to keep the mitzvos properly? 7. How did the decree that Moshe would not enter the Land affect Moshe even after his death? 8. Why were the Jewish People exiled (galus) two years earlier than indicated by Moshe's prophecy? 9. Why did Hashem release the Jewish People from bondage in Egypt? 10. Where did the Jewish People first receive the commandment to honor one's parents? 11. What is meant by the word "ni'uf"? 12. What is the meaning of, "Hashem, our G-d, Hashem is One."? 13. What are two meanings of loving Hashem "with all your might."? 14. How "well-versed" must one's children be in the Torah? 15. When is a person permitted to "take an oath by Hashem's name"? 16. Why does Hashem "delight" in the Jewish People? 17. How much greater is the reward for serving Hashem on account of love than due to fear? 18. Why do evil-doers receive reward in this world? 19. Where is the "place" for receiving the true reward for fulfillment of mitzvos? Bonus QUESTION: What did Moshe hope to achieve for the Jewish People by his entering the Land? I Did Not Know That! Rabbi Elazar said, "Prayer is greater than good deeds. No one was greater in good deeds than Moshe, yet only because of his prayer did Hashem permit him to see the Land." Berachos 32b "...a Land flowing with milk and honey...." (6:3) "Honey" here refers to date-honey and not to bee honey. =========================================================================== Answers to this Week's Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated 1. 3:23 - Being victorious against Sichon and Og, whose lands were part of Eretz Canaan, he thought that the decree against him entering the Land may have been rescinded. 2. 3:24 - His willingness to forgive. 3. 3:25 - Levanon is a term for the Beis HaMikdash, because it would "whiten" (lavan) the Jewish People; i.e., atone for them. 4. 3:27 - To see the Land. 5. 4:6 - The study of Torah and the observance of mitzvos. 6. 4:9 - The non-Jewish world will regard them as foolish. 7. 4:22 - His bones could not be buried in Eretz Canaan. 8. 4:25 - So that the rest of the prophecy, "that you shall utterly perish", would not be fulfilled. 9. 5:15 - In order that they would keep His commandments. 10. 5:16 - At Marah. (Shmos 15:25). 11. 5:17 - Relations with a married woman. 12. 6:4 - Hashem, who is now our G-d, and not [accepted as] the G-d of the other nations will in the future be [accepted as] the G-d over everyone. 13. 6:5 - 1) With all of one's property; 2) Whether Hashem treats one with kindness or harshness. 14. 6:7 - It must be so clear to them and "sharp in their mouths" that if they are asked a question they will be able to answer without hesitation. 15. 6:13 - When he reveres Hashem's Name and follows His commandments. 16. 7:7 - Because they are humble. 17. 7:9 - Those who fear Hashem receive His grace for 1000 generations but those who love Hashem receive His grace for 2000 generations. 18. 7:10 - In order that they will receive no reward in the World-to-Come. 19. 7:11 - In the World-to-Come. Bonus ANSWER: He hoped to lead the Jewish People in destroying the inhabitants so that there would be no future exile, and he wanted to gaze upon the Land to place an eternal blessing upon it. 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