Insight 5773-35: A Context of Spying

For Shelach
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) There is a question as to when Moshe changed Yehoshua's name. While the name change is mentioned by the meraglim, clearly he is referred to by this name earlier. There is an interesting Ntziv which maintains that the change really happened before the war with Amalek but it didn't stick so Moshe did it again -- this time more permanently -- in the case of the spies. To me, this only furthers my belief that there is a connection between the war with Amalek and the case of the spies. This connection is something worth investigating.

2) Further to the above question, it would seem to me that the question of the balance between nature and God's miraculous involvement in life is part of both stories. My further question would thus be: if this question was already dealt with in regard to Amalek, why did it have to be addressed again in the case of the spies? 

Insight 5773-34: Forging A Nation

For Beha'alotcha
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1) The next question, following the Insight, would seem to then focus on the variant themes of the three divisions alluded to by Rebbi. Simply, given the manner by which we describe the theme of Bamidbar in general, what would be the specific themes of the three divisions marked by the Nunim Hafuchim?

Insight 5773-33: Even Dovid HaMelech

For Bamidbar
Not yet available on the Nishma website.

Study Question

1)The real question is: How does someone make a decision of what is appropriate for him/her when the Torah seems to give choice?