Parsha Points to Ponder

Parsha Points to Ponder

1) Why does the Torah use the unusual term TISA to describe the counting of the Jewish people instead of the usual TIFKOD (30:12)?
2) Why does G-D command Moshe to make the KIYOR, the basin, in this week’s Parsha (30:18) and not with the rest of the vessels of the Mishkan in the previous sedras?
3) Why did Moshe cover his face with a mask (34:33)? (And the answer cannot be because the people were afraid of his glowing face (34:30) since the people approached him after that (34:32) and Moshe spoke to them with no problem.)

Parsha Points to Ponder by Rabbi Dov Lipman, MK
Rabbi Lipman is Chaver Knesset (Yesh Atid), an educator, author - .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Ponder the questions first, then see below

1) The Ohr HaChayim explains that the word TISA, which means LIFT UP, captures the fact that this census which showed that each person was special was meant to lift the spirits of the Jewish people in the wake of the sin of the golden calf.
2) The S’forno answers that the previous Parshiyot dealt with vessels which served to bring G-D’s presence to the Mishkan. The basin was merely to enable the Kohanim to prepare themselves for service and, therefore, was not taught along with the rest of the vessels.
3) The Kli Yakar teaches that as Moshe taught the people he saw them staring at his glowing face. Moshe was the not humble of men and felt shame over that degree of attention so he covered his face to minimize it.

• Other Parsha Points to Ponder
• Parsha Points to Ponder - B'har-B'chukotai
• Parsha Points to Ponder - Emor
• Parsha Points to Ponder - Tzav