Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the Israelites camping at Mount Sinai?
A: The Israelites camping at Mount Sinai marks the preparation for receiving the Torah, which is the foundation of Jewish law and tradition. According to Rashi, the unity of the people ('ויחן שם ישראל' - 'and Israel camped there') in singular form indicates they were united 'as one person with one heart,' ready to accept the Torah together.
Q: Why did the Israelites travel from Refidim to the desert of Sinai?
A: Refidim was a place of testing and struggle (as seen in the battle with Amalek), while Sinai was the designated place for receiving the Torah. The journey symbolizes moving from conflict to spiritual elevation. The Midrash teaches that this was part of Hashem's plan to bring them to a humble, isolated place (the desert) to focus solely on the Torah.
Q: What does 'camping before the mountain' teach us about preparing for Torah?
A: The phrase 'ויחן שם ישראל נגד ההר' ('and Israel camped there before the mountain') teaches that proper preparation is necessary to receive the Torah. The Talmud (Shabbat 88a) explains that the Israelites encamped with humility and reverence, showing that one must approach Torah study with awe and readiness to accept its teachings.
Q: How does this verse connect to Shavuot?
A: This verse sets the stage for Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah), which we celebrate on Shavuot. According to tradition, the Israelites arrived at Sinai on the first of Sivan (Exodus 19:1) and received the Torah on the sixth of Sivan. Thus, this moment is the beginning of the events commemorated on Shavuot.
Q: Why is the desert of Sinai important in Jewish tradition?
A: The desert of Sinai is where the Jewish people entered into a covenant with Hashem and received the Torah. The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that the Torah was given in a barren, ownerless desert to show that its wisdom is accessible to all who seek it, not limited to any specific land or nation.
Journey from Refidim to Sinai
The verse describes Bnei Yisrael's journey from Refidim to the wilderness of Sinai, where they encamped opposite the mountain in preparation for Matan Torah (the Giving of the Torah). Rashi (Shemot 19:2) notes that the singular form "וַיִּחַן" (and he camped) is used instead of the plural, teaching that the nation was united "כאיש אחד בלב אחד" (like one person with one heart) at this pivotal moment—a rare state of complete unity.
The Significance of Encamping Opposite the Mountain
The Midrash (Mechilta, Yitro 1) explains that the phrase "נֶגֶד הָהָר" (opposite the mountain) indicates that Hashem compelled them to encamp directly facing Har Sinai, emphasizing their readiness to accept the Torah. The Ramban (Shemot 19:2) adds that this positioning was providential, ensuring they would be fully focused on the divine revelation without distractions.
Reflections on the Wilderness of Sinai
The Sforno (Shemot 19:2) highlights that the choice of a wilderness setting for Matan Torah underscores that Torah is not tied to a specific land or material wealth—it is accessible to all who seek it with sincerity. The Talmud (Eruvin 54a) further elaborates that the barrenness of the desert symbolizes humility, a prerequisite for Torah study.