These are minor, but I'm still curious.

1. Moses was not allowed to actually enter the Promised Land. I have heard two versions as to why: a) because he broke the tablets containing the 10 Commandments; b) because when G-d told him to SPEAK to a rock to get water, he STRUCK the rock. Is it "a" or "b" or both?

2. Here are the versions I have heard about how the Jews wandering in the desert obtained manna: a) It formed as bits of honey-cake from dew on the ground; b) It fell as matzoh from the sky; c) It fell as loaves of bread from the sky. A, B, C, or none?

The answer to your first question is B. The answer to the second would be none.

Regarding Moshe Rabbeinu not entering the land, I believe that there are at least two separate points in time when the event that just happened is said to be _the_ reason why Moshe was not able to enter Eretz Yisroel. It may have something to do with when the decree was finalized.

There is also a medrash which says that had Moshe Rabbeinu asked one more time that Hashem would have reconsidered the matter, and to prevent that Hashem gave Moshe a specific command to not ask again.


Regarding the Manna, the words of the passukim describe it as collecting like dew with the appearance of coriander I think. I think there is a medrash which describes it as being found in layers - the actual manna sandwiched between two other layers of what I envision to be a mist.

quote:

I think there is a medrash which describes it as being found in layers - the actual manna sandwiched between two other layers

Makes me wonder if it is not a hint to what we will eat in the Olam haBa.

During the Exodus we ate manna, which was layered, and the edible layer was in the middle.

During Seder we break the middle matzah in two pieces and lay one piece away for afikoman, the final meal of the Seder.

Very interesting!

Rob, do you have any more info on that midrash?