He posits that if Nachshon had both been called Nasi and received the prestigious honor of being first, then he would have lorded it over the other Tribal Leaders [37]The Sifrei (Bamidbar 47) posits Nachshon was not also honored with the title Nasi, when bringing the first sacrifice of the Tribal Leaders in the Tabernacle, in order to prevent him from insisting, Continue readingjQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_37').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_37', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });. To appreciate the depth of his overwhelming need and courageous nature, consider, this was despite the very real risk of fatal consequences ensuing from rejection, as experienced by his own nephews, Nadav and Avihu. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. Finally Nahshon ben Aminadav, a prince of the tribe of Judah, fearlessly, he jumped in, and then the members of his tribe followed, and soon all the people joined in. R' Eliezer said: On the day that Hashem said: 'The water gathered and the water became solid (frozen), and it was divided into twelve parts for the twelve tribes, and there were walls of water between each path, and they (Bnei Yisrael) could see one another (through the water) and they saw Hashem going before them and they didn't see their footprints, as it says: In the sea was Your way, and Your path in the waters [they saw]," (Tehillim 77:20). It seems that Aaron contemplated appointing Nachshon, Caleb or one of the other greats at the time to be the interim leader, until Moses returned from Mount Sinai. In the King James Version, the name is spelled Naashon.According to a Jewish Midrash, he was the person who initiated the Hebrews' passage through the Red Sea, by walking in head-deep until the sea parted. When Miriam next appears in the narrative, the Israelites have left Egypt, led by Moses, and have just crossed the Sea of Reeds (traditionally, though erroneously, identified as the Red Sea). [14] This is the origin of his name "Nahshol", that is, "stormy sea-waves". And he said, "I have sunk in muddy depths and there is no place to stand; I have come into the deep water, and the current has swept me away." It didnt, for example, say my, This is the opinion of Rabbi Yehudah. The Talmud [39]BT Kiddushin 39b and Shabbos 32a.jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_39').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_39', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); cautions a person against risking peril in reliance on miracles. () . The word choice is interesting. This letter, the numerical value of which is six, indicates that Nahshon was the ancestor of six men David, the Messiah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah each of whom was distinguished for six praiseworthy qualities. (11) And they said to Moses, Was it for want of graves in Egypt that you brought us to die in the wilderness? The Chizkuni (in his commentary on Numbers 16:33) notes that Moses had instructed them each to take a fire pan and incense. They thought this was only because Moses had used his unique position and access to G-d to implore and pray to G-d to appoint his brother and nephews to these roles [50]Ironically, coveting someone elses position as a means of achieving sanctity is itself sanctimonious. Nachshons unrestrained courage and resolve, the very force of his personality that ennobled him, may have also negatively affected his judgment and put him in harms way. Indeed, the Meshech Chochma. Why then did Nachshon throw in his lot with the rebels; why didnt he courageously follow his own unique path? He wonders how they could just reject the venerable leadership roles entrusted to them, in order to pursue some personal quest for more power and the perception of a greater exalted position. To the contrary, as noted in the Talmud [49]BT Bava Batra 91ajQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_49').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_49', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });, cited by the Shelah, it was Nachshons merit, which sustained his progeny. Rabbi Meir appears to disagree about Nachshon being the first to jump into the water. (28) The waters turned back and covered the chariots and the horsemenPharaohs entire army that followed them into the sea; not one of them remained. Nevertheless, it is submitted that both stories could be true at the same time. Numbers 10:14. They were out of control, in the throes of their personal passions and guided only by their impulses. As more fully discussed herein, the process of actually attaining Ruach Hakodesh is no easy task. As more fully discussed herein, the process of actually attaining Ruach Hakodesh is no easy task. () ' () () () ' () () () () ' () () ' () () () ' () ' () () ' () () () ' () () () ' () () () ' () ' () () ' () ' () () () ' () ' ' ' (). However, as the Shelah [56]Shnei Luchot HaBrit, Torah Shebichtav, Korach, Torah Ohr 11.jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_56').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_56', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); notes, the two hundred fifty men, including Nachshon, died in the process of seeking a connection to the Divine, because, despite otherwise being great people, they craved this status in order to satisfy their desire for personal honor. According to a well-known aggadah, Nahshon was the only one among the Israelites on reaching the Red Sea to obey the command of Moses to descend into the waters and courageously enter the waves, trusting that the promised miracle would occur and the sea be parted. BLB Searches. What did they hope to gain? Bechor Shor commentary on Exodus 32:2. It was an overpowering feeling that was likened to eating and drinking [86]Ibid.jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_86').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_86', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });. He has published articles in the Banking Law Journal, Real Estate Finance Journal and other fine publications. They, therefore, thought why not overindulge in physical delights, without restraint? Rav Shimon Schwab describes how Nadav and Avihu breached barriers out of their abundance of love for G-d; unlike Moses and Aaron, who understood the need for restraint and following the rules. Rav Shimon Schwab describes how Nadav and Avihu breached barriers out of their abundance of love for G-d; unlike Moses and Aaron, who understood the need for restraint and following the rules. : with an extra yud). Its noteworthy that despite the horrible result of Nadav and Avihu each taking a fire pan and performing the sacred ritual of burning incense, the two hundred fifty were willing to repeat what, In essence, they wanted to attain Ruach Hakodesh and its benefits the easy way, by appointment to the position. Thereupon the princes of Yehuda hurled stones at them; as it is said, The princes of Yehuda their council (the word for council has the same root as the verb 'to stone'; so it is here understood as 'their stoners'). It requires constant vigilance, practiced self-control and judicious restraint; made all the more difficult, because it often seems counter-intuitive, given the typical acclaim showered on those displaying bravery. He explains that all twelve Tribal Leaders were included in the two hundred and fifty and were the same Continue readingjQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_48').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_48', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); is not so kind. In Numbers 1 Numbers 1:7 Meaning. Aaron married Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Nahshon was appointed by Moses, upon God's command, as prince of the tribe of Judah, and though his tribe was fourth in the order of the Patriarchs, yet at the dedication of the Tabernacle he was the first to bring his dedicatory offering ( Numbers 1:7; 2:3; 7:12,17; 10:14 ). At that time Moshe was engaged for a long while in prayer; so the Holy One, blessed be He, said to him, 'My beloved ones are drowning in the sea and thou prolongest prayer before Me!' ; Jesher . International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. He is renowned for his courage and faith in being the first to jump into the deep waters of the Red Sea, before they were miraculously parted. Nachshon entered the Red Seaas the ancient Midrash revealed, up to his nosewas the ancestor of King David and was, also, the brother-in-law of Aharon HaKohen, the brother of Moshe. See also Avot DRabbi Nathan 5:1, which contains the reference to having Yirat Shamayim Continue readingjQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_78').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_78', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], });, which records this teaching, also goes on to say that the fear of heaven should be upon us. As the Sefat Emet [77]Sefat Emet, Shimini 636, s.v. Tosafist, Rabbi Joseph ben Isaac [35]Bechor Shor commentary on Exodus 32:2. The enjoyment of spiritual rewards can be every bit as seductive and captivating as physical delights, See also Rav Nachman of Breslov, Likutei Moharan, Torah 41:1, who presents a darker view of this desire, as being rooted in the Yetzer Hara, as opposed to being a misguided desire to overindulge the. According to a Jewish Midrash, he was the person who initiated the Hebrews' passage through the Red Sea, by walking in head-deep until the sea parted. Apr 17, 23 Falling in the Presence of God Apr 14, 23 How to Know What Is Good For Us Apr 14, 23 Should Maggid Take Forever? They wanted to be holy. to descend into the sea first. Respect for boundaries, restraint, humbleness and following the commandments are qualities that animate our traditional observance and have proven to be an integral part of the sustainable model of Judaism. Nahshon and the First Step Sun., June 30, 10am Rev. As the Talmud [61]Ibid.jQuery('#footnote_plugin_tooltip_51803_2_61').tooltip({ tip: '#footnote_plugin_tooltip_text_51803_2_61', tipClass: 'footnote_tooltip', effect: 'fade', predelay: 0, fadeInSpeed: 200, delay: 400, fadeOutSpeed: 200, position: 'top center', relative: true, offset: [-7, 0], }); notes, humility may be an even more critical element in achieving Ruach HaKodesh, than holiness. It is clear, however, as to why Chazal discuss him so extensively. R' Eliezer said: On the day that Hashem said: 'The water gathered and the water became solid (frozen), and it was divided into twelve parts for the twelve tribes, and there were walls of water between each path, and they (Bnei Yisrael) could see one another (through the water) and they saw Hashem going before them and they didn't see their footprints, as it says: In the sea was Your way, and Your path in the waters [they saw]," (Tehillim 77:20). New International Version So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. Apr 5, 23 Audio Roundup 2023:14 Apr 5, 23 Daily Reyd Apr 4, 23 The Mitzvah to Check for Signs of Kashrut Apr 4, 23 Daily Reyd Apr 3, 23 Who Reads the Haggadah? ( , ) ( , ) ( , ) ( , ) ( , ) ' ( , ) ' " ( , ) ' ( , ) [What was it that Yehuda did? , Eleazar and Ithamar to why Chazal discuss him so extensively ben Isaac [ ]! 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