Parsha discussion

Question:  In the plagues of דם & צפרדע, why is there not an explicit mention that the "Jews" were not affected? Approach:  We could posit that these plagues were not directed at the people directly, but rather indirectly via the effects on the Nile. And assuming that the "Jews" lived near the Nile, perhaps they were indirectly affected as well.

Question:  3:2 What is the meaning of the word מלאך here? It doesn’t seem to have its normal meaning since הקב״ה deals directly with משה for the rest of the story Approach: We would seemingly need to go the more expanded use of the word מלאך, meaning a messenger. And it was the non-burning סנה that was alight that was the message to attract משה that was the stepping stone for הקב"ה to "speak" to משה.

Question:  49:28 why are the children of יעקב called שבטים? Approach: It would seem that the reference is based on יעקב's wish that his "blessings" reflect a longer term approach for each son, as indicated by his phrase באחרית הימים. In the simplest sense of the word, this means "long-term" rather than meaning any Messianic. And the concept of a שבט, meaning rallying a family around a banner, therefore relates to the family characteristics.

Question:  In the lead up to the descent to Egypt, the names יעקב and ישראל are used almost interchangeably. When and why is each one used? Approach: It seems that יעקב is used when relating to the personal aspect, whereas ישראל implies more of a nationalistic aspect. The descent to Egypt is therefore both a personal and national descent and is reflected in both aspects. We can see that the children are referred to בני ישראל as they reflect the nationalistic descent.

Question:  How is the brothers’ claim that they have a younger brother proof that they are not spies? Approach: It would seem that the essential issue is to prove that they are actually all brothers - rather than a bunch of bandits or spies, who have bandied together. They therefore explain that they are indeed family (perhaps it was unusual to have such large families, or for so many to travel together), and therefore bringing their younger brother would proof that there is a family connection.