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Numbers 33:41 - Journey through wilderness continues

Numbers 33:41 - במדבר 33:41

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵהֹר הָהָר וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּצַלְמֹנָה׃

English Translation

And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Żalmona.

Transliteration

Vayisu meHor Hahar vayachanu betzalmona.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵהֹ֣ר הָהָ֑ר וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּצַלְמֹנָֽה׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵהֹ֣ר הָהָ֑ר וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּצַלְמֹנָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Journey from Har HaHor to Tzalmona

The verse (Bamidbar 33:41) describes the Israelites' journey from Har HaHor to Tzalmona during their travels in the wilderness. Rashi explains that this was part of their 42-stage journey through the desert, as recorded in this chapter. The name "Tzalmona" is derived from the Hebrew word "tzel" (צל), meaning "shadow," which the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:20) interprets as a place where the Israelites were overshadowed by divine protection during their travels.

Significance of Har HaHor

Har HaHor was the site where Aharon HaKohen passed away (Bamidbar 20:22-29). The Talmud (Yoma 38a) notes that the cloud of glory (ענן הכבוד) departed when Aharon died, symbolizing the loss of his merit that had protected the people. Ramban suggests that the journey from Har HaHor represents a transition period where the nation had to adjust to leadership without Aharon's spiritual influence.

The Name Tzalmona

Several interpretations exist regarding the name Tzalmona:

  • Malbim connects it to "tzel mavet" (צל מות - shadow of death), suggesting it was a difficult part of their journey where they faced challenges.
  • Sforno views it positively, as a place where they enjoyed divine protection ("in the shadow of the Almighty").
  • Baal HaTurim notes its gematria (numerical value) equals that of "lamed-vav" (36), hinting at the 36 righteous individuals for whose sake the world exists.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this journey teaches about the Jewish people's resilience. Even after losing Aharon and moving from the mountain of mourning (Har HaHor), they continued forward, finding divine shadow (Tzalmona) in their new situation. This reflects the principle that even in transition and difficulty, Hashem provides protection and guidance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmona' (Numbers 33:41) mean?
A: This verse is part of the detailed list of the Israelites' 42 encampments during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. Rashi explains that this travel log demonstrates G-d's kindness—even though they were destined to wander, He didn't move them abruptly, but let them rest between journeys (Rashi on Numbers 33:1).
Q: Why is the name 'Zalmona' mentioned in this verse?
A: The Talmud teaches that every place name in the Torah carries meaning. 'Zalmona' comes from the Hebrew word 'tzel' (shadow), alluding to the Divine protection (the 'shadow' of G-d) that accompanied the Israelites in the wilderness (see Talmud, Berachot 54b on G-d's protection during travels).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' journey from Mount Hor to Zalmona?
A: The Rambam teaches that these travels remind us that life is a journey with stops along the way. Just as the Israelites progressed step by step under G-d's guidance, we too must move forward in our spiritual growth with patience and trust in Divine providence (based on Rambam's teachings on hashgacha pratis - individual Divine supervision).