Parsha Points To Ponder

1)Why does the Torah explain the reasons for the names of Moshe’s sons upon their trip to join the Jewish people? What relevance does this have to the story?

2)Why does the Torah command that SIX DAYS YOU SHOULD WORK? (20:9) The command is to rest on Shabbat but not to work the other six days!

3)What is the connection between the command not to make gods of gold and silver and the command to make the altar out of dirt which follows right after? (20:20-21)

Answers

1)The Kli Yakar explains that Yisro called ahead to Moshe to come and greet the family. He made specific mention of their names and the reasons for the names since these would prod Moshe to come and greet them even more enthusiastically. First of all, he references Gershom who was named because Moshe was a STRANGER IN A FOREIGN LAND. Moshe should imagine how is sons feel being so distant from him and among foreigners. Second was Eliezer whose name referenced G-D and Moshe should view it as if he is coming to greet G-D’s Presence.

2)The Ohr HaChayim answers that the Torah is teaching that if we observe Shabbat properly, all we will have to do is work for six days and YOU WILL DO ALL OF YOUR WORK - that will cover all of your needs and there will be no need to work on Shabbat.

3)The Seforno teaches that the command not to make gold and silver gods specifically referenced TO ME - meaning that these images should not be made as a means to reach out to G-D. Similarly, the altar which is used to serve G-D does not have to be made of an expensive or impressive material. We have the power to reach out to G-D with the most basic of materials since we have a direct connection with him without any intermediaries necessary.

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