14 May, 2010

Today In Jewish History- Rosh Chodesh Sivan

The Torah begins the narative of Kabolas Hatorah on Rosh Chodesh Sivan: בַּחֹדֶשׁ, הַשְּׁלִישִׁי, לְצֵאת בְּנֵי-יִשְׂרָאֵל, מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם--בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה, בָּאוּ מִדְבַּר סִינָי. On that day the arrived at Midbar Sinai. The Torah then continues the narrative: וַיִּסְעוּ מֵרְפִידִים, וַיָּבֹאוּ מִדְבַּר סִינַי, וַיַּחֲנוּ, בַּמִּדְבָּר. They left Rifidim (Klal Yisroel's previous dwelling) and came to Midbar Sinai, and rested in the Midbar.
The Ohr Hachaim asks; Why does the Torah tell us that they arrived at Midbar Sinai before it tells us where they came from and then returns and begins the story all over again?
The Ohr hachaim answers: The day K'Y arrived at Sinai, ready to receive the Torah- was awaited for by the creator, the Torah and the world. From the day the world was created, the universe was eagerly awaiting- when will Klal Yisroel get to Midbar Sinai. At the moment they arrived, the Torah just blurted out- without having patience to go through the entire narrative- בָּאוּ מִדְבַּר סִינָי- the day we're anticipating for so long is here- Klal Yisroel arrived at Sinai!- the heavens and earth were rejoicing! It is only after that that the narrative with all the details can be said.

1 comment:

me said...

I guess this is your welcome back to blog world, (without explaining where your were till now) because you were so excited just to post a dvar torah!
Anyone welcome back, and looking forward to reading it every week-- looking forward to a vaad on shavous as well!
Z