Weekly Parsha

Rabbi Ezra Wiener

Sefer Shemot concludes with a description of the perceptive presence of G-d in the form of the cloud pillar that rested above the mishkan during the day and fire at night. It was these symbols of G-d’s presence that the Torah states were “Le’einei Kol Beit Yisrael Bechol Maseihem” (“Before the eyes of the house of Israel throughout their travels”). 

The difficulty presented by a careful reading of the text is that the fire, technically, did not accompany them on their TRAVELS but rather during their encampments at night. Why then would the Torah use the term “Maseiehem” (“their travels”) when describing the fire?

Rashi, in an attempt to resolve this difficulty, writes that the root “Masa” from “Maseiehem” is an appropriate term to describe not only traveling but even resting. The sefer Yalkut Yehuda elaborates upon Rashi’s remark and explains that for a Jew, even when he is resting, he is merely harnessing the energy to begin his next mission. There is always another chesed to perform, another section of Torah to study. The encampments of G-d’s chosen throughout history should always be viewed as preparation for their future travels as they continue to sanctify G-d’s name across the globe . It is therefore most fitting to designate the resting place of Bnei Yisrael as “Maseihem” (“their travels”).