Parsha discussion

Question:  22:30 What is the relevance of being described as אנשי קדש in the context ? Approach : The particular mini-פרשה starts off referring to various מתנות that are given to other, seemingly less well-off, members of society. And then to elements of care for animals. So perhaps the message is that the way to become קדש is to look out for others, especially those who need outside help.

Question:  Where was משה at the time of מתן תורה? The פסוקים seem to place him with the people, but other sources indicate he was on הר סיני Approach: It would seem that the lack of clarity is intentional to show us both that it doesn't really matter, but also, that ultimately, משה was human and part of the people as well as the incredible spiritual leader.

Question:  If the Egyptians had already recognized their mistake in chasing בני ישראל, why was it necessary for the sea to be closed on them? Approach: Apart from the obvious requirement of the "natural" state of affairs needing to be re-established, we can suggest that תשובה, in and of itself, is not sufficient to alleviate a required punishment for prior deeds.

Question:  Where does משה know that the blood should be sprinkled using an אגודת אזוב? Approach : We can suggest that either this was a previously unwritten instruction, or משה was suggesting using a nearby and available grass - perhaps as a preemption of the likely question from the people as to how they were to place the blood onto the doorposts and lintel.