Ten Minutes of Torah

with

Rabbi Chaim Weiner

Naso - 5766

במדבר ו:כד

יְבָרֶכְךָ ה' וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ:

Numbers 1:24

May the Lord bless you and protect you.

Rashi

Bless you: make your property increase.

and protect you: that no robbers come and take away your property. A human being who gives a present to another person can not guard him against everybody, and if a band of robbers attack him and take it away, what pleasure does he derive from his blessing. The Holy One Blessed be He, however, both gives and guards ... .

Sforno

Bless you: with wealth and property, for if there is no flour, there is no Torah.

protect you: from thieves.

HaEmek Davar

Bless you: this means each individual in an appropriate manner. One who studies Torah - in his study. One who is engaged in commerce - through his commerce. That each person shall increase that which he already has.

and protect you: for every person needs protection lest his blessing turns to a curse, heaven forbid. A student of Torah needs protection, lest he become proud, and also, lest he forget. A rich person needs protection lest his wealth works against him, as in the case of Navot, and also that his wealth not be stolen or lost.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between "bless" and "protect" according to these three?

2. What made the Sforno say that "blessing" means wealth?

3. How is the commentary of HaEmek Davar different from the others?

Answers to last week’s question:

How do Rashi and Shadal differ in their understanding of the reason for counting the Children of Israel at this time.

For Rashi the counting is an expression of a relationship – You count something that is dear to you. They are counted at this time because of the dedication of the Mishkan – a time when we have a close relationship with God. The counting is directed towards an event in the immediate past.

For Shadal the counting is part of the military preparation for entering the Land of Israel. The counting is directed towards an event that will happen in the future.

_______________________________________________________________

Ten Minutes of Torah was prepared by Rabbi Chaim Weiner, based on the methods of Prof. Nechama Leibowitz. Rabbi Weiner studied and corresponded with Prof. Leibowitz for several years.

· I endeavour to reply to everyone who sends their answers to me.

· Please feel free to forward this study sheet to anyone who you think might be interested, including all headers and footers.

· This study sheet, and archives of previous study sheets are available at www.tenminutesoftorah.supanet.com .

· Please send any comments or questions (including technical questions, or problems you have accessing the material) to tenminutesoftorah@supanet.com.

Jewish Journeys

Off the Beaten Track Jewish Adventures

With Rabbi Chaim Weiner

One Day Special

Girona - Spain

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Led by Rabbi Chaim Weiner

____________________________________

Home of Ramban

Most important Jewish Centre in Spain

Fascinating history in beautiful Medieval city

Only £55.00 + flights

Book early to take full advantage of low airfares.

____________________________________

For Further Details Contact:

Rabbi Chaim Weiner

www.jewishjourneys.supanet.com

jewishjourneys@supanet.com

+44 20 7870 7959