1)

What are the connotations of "Vay'chal Moshe"?

1.

Rashi (in Brachos, 55a) and Targum Onkelos: It is an expression of prayer and request.

2.

Targum Yonasan: It means that Moshe was seized with a fit of convulsions.

3.

Hadar Zekenim: It means that Moshe Davened to the point that he became sick. 1

4.

B'rachos #1, 32a: It means that Moshe Davened 'ad she'Achzaso Achilu' (until his bones became inflamed). 2

5.

B'rachos #2, 32a: It means that - based on a Gezeirah Shavah "Vay'chal", "Lo Yachel" - Moshe Davened until he annuled Hashem's Neder (that He would destroy Yisrael). 3 .

6.

B'rachos #3, 32a: Moshe Davened to the point of Mesiras Nefesh - when he said, in Pasuk 32 "ve'Im Ayin, Mecheini Na mi'Sif'rcha". 4

7.

B'rachos #4, 32a: It means that with his Tefilah, Moshe caused the Midas ha'Rachamim to rest on Yisrael. 5

8.

B'rachos #5, 32a: Moshe said to Hashem 'Ribono shel Olam, it is Chulin (profane) for You to do this thing. 6

9.

B'rachos #30b: It teaches us that one should wait between one Tefilah and another the time it takes 'she'Techolel Da'ato alav' - which is the time it takes to walk four Amos. 7


1

From the Lashon of 'Choleh'.

2

See Torah Temimah, note 19.

3

SeeTorah Temimah, note 21.

4

Refer to 32:32:2:3.

5

It is Lashon of resting, as in 'Yachulu B'rachos al Roshcha' (Torah Temimah).

6

To kill the Tzadikim together with the Resha'im - as Avraham said about S'dom. See Torah Temimah, note 24..

7

See Torsh Temmah citing B'rachos, Ibid. and note 16-18.

2)

What did Moshe mean when he asked Hashem "Lamah Hashem Yechereh Apcha be'Amecha"? Was the reason not obvious?

1.

Rashi #1: It is understandable that a person is jealous of someone of the same standing 1 as oneself, but not of someone who is inferior. 2

2.

Rashi #2: He argued that Hashem had never commanded the people not to serve idols, only him 3

3.

Ramban #2 (citing the Midrash) 4 : He was actually excusing Yisrael for the sin of the Golden Calf.

4.

Ramban #2 5 : Moshe was asking Hashem why He was judging Yisrael with the Midas ha'Din, bearing in mind that He had taken them out of Egypt with the Midas Rachamim, directing the Midas ha'Din against the Egyptians. 6

5.

Riva #1 and Seforno: He was asking Hashem why He was angry with those who had not sinned.

6.

Riva #2 and Moshav Zekenim #1: He was asking Hashem why He was angry with His people (Yisrael), seeing as it was the Eirev Rav who made the calf. 7

7.

Moshav Zekenim #2 (citing R. Yehudah ha'Chasid): Moshe said that he would kill those who served, but why should the others be killed?

8.

Rosh #1: Moshe was asking Hashem why, after performing so many miracles for them, He would kill them just becausa of one sin '?

9.

Rosh #2 (in Pasuk 13): Moshe was asking Hashem that, if they had violated the beginning of the Dibur - "Lo Yih'yeh l'cha...", was that a reason for Him to nullify the end of the Dibur - "ve'Oseh Chesed la'Alafim"?


1

A Chacham of a Chacham, a Gibor of a Gibor (Rashi).

2

This is difficult to comprehend, since Hashem was zealous for His desecrated Kavod, not of the Golden Calf.

3

Refer to 20:2:3:1*.

4

See Midrash Rabah, 43, 7, 9 (Ramban).

5

Refer to 32:10:1:3.

6

In any event, it was not a question but a Tefilah, part of which he Davened now, and part, after he descended and atoned for them and ascended Har Sinai the second time (See Ramban).

7

Refer to 32:7:4:1*.

3)

Why did Moshe add the words " ... Amcha asher Hotzeisa me'Eretz Mitzrayim."

1.

Rashbam: With reference to Hashem's statement "Ki Shicheis Amcha" 1 he retorted "They are Your people (not Mine) whom you took out of Egypt" (not I)! 2


1

See Pasuk 7.

2

Refer to 32:7:4:1 & 4 and note.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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