Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that the Jewish people are 'like the stars of heaven for multitude'?
A: This verse (Devarim 1:10) uses the metaphor of stars to describe the great number of the Jewish people. Rashi explains that just as stars appear small but are actually immense, so too the Jewish people may seem insignificant at times, but they have great spiritual potential and importance in the world.
Q: Why does the Torah compare the Jewish people to stars?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that like stars which shine even in darkness, the Jewish people maintain their light (Torah and mitzvot) even in difficult times. Additionally, the Rambam notes that just as stars are countless, the Jewish people's blessings and merits are beyond human calculation.
Q: How is this verse relevant to Jews today?
A: This verse reminds us that even when our numbers seem small, we should recognize our spiritual greatness and impact on the world. The Sforno explains that our true 'multitude' isn't just in physical numbers, but in our collective fulfillment of Torah and mitzvot, which gives us lasting significance.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe saying this to the Jewish people?
A: According to the Ohr HaChaim, Moshe was emphasizing that their large population was a fulfillment of God's promise to Avraham (Bereishit 15:5). This served as encouragement that just as this promise was fulfilled, so too would their future inheritance of the Land of Israel be realized.
Q: Does this comparison to stars appear elsewhere in the Torah?
A: Yes, this imagery first appears in God's promise to Avraham (Bereishit 15:5). The repetition in Devarim shows the fulfillment of that promise. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) connects this to the idea that the Jewish people's survival and growth is supernatural, like the stars that persist despite the vastness of space.
Literal Meaning (Peshat)
The verse (Devarim 1:10) describes how Hashem has fulfilled His promise to Avraham (Bereishit 15:5) by multiplying Bnei Yisrael to be as numerous as the stars of heaven. This reflects the physical growth of the nation during their time in the wilderness.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the comparison to stars teaches that even when Bnei Yisrael appear diminished (like stars that seem small from earth), they remain innately great and countless. He also notes this was said on the last day of Moshe's life, showing the fulfillment of Hashem's promise.
Symbolic Meaning (Remez)
Halachic Perspective
The Ramban connects this to the mitzvah of "pru urvu" (be fruitful and multiply), showing that population growth is both a blessing and a fulfillment of divine command (Commentary on Bereishit 1:28).
Kabbalistic Insight
The Zohar (1:131b) teaches that just as stars are conduits for heavenly influence, each Jew serves as a channel for divine light in the world. The numerical increase reflects expanded potential for kedusha.