In trying to produce water in the desert, Moshe hit the rock instead of talking to it, and therefore he was banned from entering the land. This is what we’re taught and it’s cited as one example of God’s capacity for severe judgment.  Abrabarnel rejects this explanation, insisting that so miniscule a sin does not

Many commandments are relevant only in the land of Israel, yet there is a dispute whether living there is an independent commandment. Those who count it, they point to this week’s parasha: And you shall take possession of the land and dwell in it, for to you I have given the land to take hold

Moshe spoke to the heads of the tribes of the Children of Israel…if a man shall make an oath unto God. Why did this portion begin as a directive to the tribal heads? The rule is that if a person makes a religious oath and later regrets it, he may go to a wise and

Immediately after God agrees to the plea of the daughters of Zelophehad, He turns to Moshe and says Ascend these heights of Abarim and view the land…When you have seen it, you too shall die and be gathered to your people…The juxtaposition here is powerful. Surely Moshe’s desire to enter the land alive was no

In exclaiming Who can count the dust of Jacob! Bala’am recalled God’s promise to Abraham: I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth. Our Tradition frowns on counting things because blessing rests best on that which is not counted and it is said that the evil eye focuses too quickly on that