Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes' mean?
A: This verse expresses the Israelites' complaint in the desert about only having manna to eat. According to Rashi, they were ungrateful for the miraculous food that sustained them, longing instead for the variety of foods they had in Egypt. Their souls felt 'dried away' because they lacked appreciation for G-d's constant care.
Q: Why were the Israelites complaining about the manna if it was a miracle from G-d?
A: The Midrash explains that the manna could taste like any food the person desired (Tanchuma Beshalach 22). However, the people complained because they missed the experience of physical variety and the act of preparing food. Rambam teaches that this shows how quickly people can become discontent even with miracles when they focus on what they lack rather than G-d's blessings.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites complaining about the manna?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 75a) derives from this incident the importance of being grateful for what we have rather than focusing on what we don't have. The manna was perfect spiritual nourishment, yet the people complained. This teaches us to recognize and appreciate G-d's daily blessings in our lives, rather than taking them for granted.
Q: How does the concept of the manna apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the manna was given daily to teach trust in G-d (as explained in Mechilta Beshalach), we learn to appreciate our daily sustenance. The Sfat Emet teaches that like the manna, our material needs are provided in the exact measure we require for spiritual growth. We should focus on using our resources for holy purposes rather than complaining about what we lack.
Q: Why is the phrase 'our soul is dried away' used to describe their feelings about the manna?
A: Rashi explains that this poetic expression shows their spiritual dissatisfaction. While physically nourished, they felt emotionally and spiritually empty because they didn't appreciate the manna's divine origin. The Kli Yakar adds that by calling their souls 'dried,' they revealed their misplaced priorities - focusing on physical variety rather than spiritual nourishment.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bamidbar 11:6) appears during the episode of the Israelites complaining in the wilderness, expressing dissatisfaction with the manna despite its miraculous nature. This follows their longing for the foods they ate in Egypt, revealing a deeper spiritual struggle.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments on the phrase "our soul is dried away" (נַפְשֵׁנוּ יְבֵשָׁה) by explaining that the people felt spiritually and physically depleted because they had grown weary of the manna. He notes that the manna could take on any taste they desired (as stated in the Midrash), yet they still complained—indicating ingratitude and a failure to appreciate Divine providence.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:24), Rambam discusses how the Israelites' complaint reflects human nature's tendency to grow discontent even with miracles when they become routine. The manna, though sustaining them perfectly, lacked the variety and sensory stimulation of ordinary food, leading to psychological dissatisfaction.
Midrashic Insights
Spiritual Lesson
The Sages (Talmud, Yoma 75a) teach that the manna was a test of faith—whether Bnei Yisrael would trust Hashem's daily provision. Their complaint reveals a deeper struggle: the challenge of finding holiness in simplicity and recognizing Divine kindness even in monotony.