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Numbers 11:8 - Manna's miraculous oil taste?

Numbers 11:8 - במדבר 11:8

Hebrew Text

שָׁטוּ הָעָם וְלָקְטוּ וְטָחֲנוּ בָרֵחַיִם אוֹ דָכוּ בַּמְּדֹכָה וּבִשְּׁלוּ בַּפָּרוּר וְעָשׂוּ אֹתוֹ עֻגוֹת וְהָיָה טַעְמוֹ כְּטַעַם לְשַׁד הַשָּׁמֶן׃

English Translation

And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and boiled it in a pot, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was like the taste of oil cake.

Transliteration

Shatu ha'am velaketu vetachanu varechayim o dachu bamedocha uvishlu baparur ve'asu oto ugot vehaya ta'amo keta'am leshad hashemen.

Hebrew Leining Text

שָׁ֩טוּ֩ הָעָ֨ם וְלָֽקְט֜וּ וְטָחֲנ֣וּ בָרֵחַ֗יִם א֤וֹ דָכוּ֙ בַּמְּדֹכָ֔ה וּבִשְּׁלוּ֙ בַּפָּר֔וּר וְעָשׂ֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ עֻג֑וֹת וְהָיָ֣ה טַעְמ֔וֹ כְּטַ֖עַם לְשַׁ֥ד הַשָּֽׁמֶן׃
שָׁ֩טוּ֩ הָעָ֨ם וְלָֽקְט֜וּ וְטָחֲנ֣וּ בָרֵחַ֗יִם א֤וֹ דָכוּ֙ בַּמְּדֹכָ֔ה וּבִשְּׁלוּ֙ בַּפָּר֔וּר וְעָשׂ֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ עֻג֑וֹת וְהָיָ֣ה טַעְמ֔וֹ כְּטַ֖עַם לְשַׁ֥ד הַשָּֽׁמֶן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse (Bamidbar 11:8)

The verse describes the process by which Bnei Yisrael prepared the מן (manna) in the wilderness. The Torah details their methods—grinding, pounding, boiling—and concludes that its taste resembled "the taste of oil cake" (טַעַם לְשַׁד הַשָּׁמֶן). Orthodox Jewish commentators offer profound insights into this passage.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 11:8) explains that the phrase "טַעַם לְשַׁד הַשָּׁמֶן" refers to a delicacy made from fine flour and oil, similar to the taste of the מן. He notes that the מן could miraculously adapt to any preparation method while retaining its divine quality. Rashi also cites the Mechilta (Beshalach 16:31), which states that the taste of the מן varied according to each person’s spiritual level—children, adults, and the righteous experienced it differently.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam discusses the מן as a supernatural phenomenon, emphasizing that its ability to transform in taste and texture demonstrated Hashem’s direct providence over Bnei Yisrael. Unlike natural food, the מן required no agricultural labor, reinforcing the lesson of total reliance on Divine sustenance.

Midrashic Interpretations

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 22) teaches that the מן was given in merit of Moshe Rabbeinu, and its taste was a reward for the righteous. The phrase "טַעַם לְשַׁד הַשָּׁמֶן" hints at the sweetness of Torah, which is compared to oil (see Shir HaShirim 1:3).
  • Yalkut Shimoni (Bamidbar 11:735) adds that the מן could taste like any food one desired, as stated in the Gemara (Yoma 75a), but its default taste was like oil cake—a symbol of purity, as oil does not mix with impurities.

Halachic Insights

The Gemara (Berachos 48b) derives from this verse that one who eats מן is exempt from reciting Birkas Hamazon (Grace after Meals), since the מן was a heavenly food not bound by earthly halachic obligations. However, the Rambam (Hilchos Berachos 1:5) rules that this exemption was unique to the מן and does not apply to ordinary food.

Spiritual Lessons

The Seforno (Bamidbar 11:8) highlights that the מן’s adaptability—whether ground, pounded, or boiled—symbolizes how Torah and mitzvos can be "processed" in different ways (through study, action, or devotion) while always nourishing the soul. The comparison to oil further teaches that just as oil illuminates, Torah enlightens the mind and heart.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75b
The verse is discussed in the context of the manna that fell for the Israelites in the wilderness, illustrating how it was prepared and its taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'manna' described in Numbers 11:8?
A: The manna was the miraculous food that Hashem provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. According to Rashi, it could taste like whatever the eater desired (based on Talmud Yoma 75a). The verse describes how they processed it—grinding, pounding, and cooking it—yet it retained a pleasant taste like 'oil cake,' showing its divine nature.
Q: Why does the Torah describe how the Israelites prepared the manna?
A: The Torah details the preparation to emphasize that, despite being miraculous, the manna required human effort (grinding, cooking, etc.). Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 12:1) teaches that this shows the balance between divine providence and human responsibility—Hashem provides, but we must put in our own effort.
Q: What does 'taste like oil cake' mean in Numbers 11:8?
A: Oil cake (לשד השמן) refers to a rich, delicious food, possibly like fine pastry fried in oil (Rashi). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 7:4) explains that the manna could adapt to any taste, but its default flavor was exquisite, showing Hashem’s kindness in giving the Israelites something enjoyable.
Q: How does the manna relate to our daily sustenance today?
A: The manna teaches us to recognize that all sustenance comes from Hashem (Talmud, Ta’anis 9a). Just as the Israelites gathered it daily with trust, we say blessings over food and acknowledge divine providence. The Chovos HaLevavos (Sha’ar HaBitachon) explains that this verse reminds us to rely on Hashem while doing our part.
Q: Why did the Israelites grind and cook the manna if it was miraculous?
A: The Sforno explains that Hashem wanted the Israelites to engage in normal food preparation to maintain a structured life even in the wilderness. The Talmud (Berachos 48b) also notes that processing the manna made it more satisfying—teaching that effort enhances appreciation for Hashem’s gifts.