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Numbers 33:27 - Journey to spiritual elevation?

Numbers 33:27 - במדבר 33:27

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִתָּחַת וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּתָרַח׃

English Translation

And they departed from Taĥat, and pitched at Teraĥ.

Transliteration

Vayisu miTachat vayachanu b'Tarach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִתָּ֑חַת וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּתָֽרַח׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִתָּ֑חַת וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּתָֽרַח׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Location and Meaning of the Verse

The verse וַיִּסְעוּ מִתָּחַת וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּתָרַח׃ (Bamidbar 33:26) appears in the Torah's account of the Israelites' journeys in the wilderness. It describes their movement from Taĥat to Teraĥ, two of the 42 encampments during their 40-year sojourn.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bamidbar 33:26) notes that the names of these locations are not merely geographical markers but carry deeper significance. He explains that Taĥat (תַּחַת) means "beneath" or "under," alluding to the humility of Bnei Yisrael during their travels. Teraĥ (תָּרַח), however, is associated with the word רֵיחַ (fragrance), symbolizing the spiritual elevation and merit they attained through their devotion to Hashem.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 23:3) connects these place names to the spiritual journey of the Jewish people:

  • Taĥat represents moments of challenge and subjugation, where the Israelites were "beneath" the hardships of the wilderness.
  • Teraĥ signifies renewal and divine favor, as the fragrance of their mitzvot and repentance rose before Hashem.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:50) emphasizes that the detailed listing of the encampments teaches the importance of remembering Hashem's providence. Each stop—whether seemingly insignificant like Taĥat or elevated like Teraĥ—was part of a divinely guided process to refine the nation.

Kabbalistic Insight

The Zohar (Bamidbar 157a) interprets these journeys as symbolic of the soul's ascent:

  • Departing from Taĥat represents leaving behind physical limitations.
  • Encamping at Teraĥ reflects drawing closer to the "fragrance" of divine wisdom.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:27 mean when it says 'they departed from Tachat and camped in Terach'?
A: This verse is part of the detailed list of the Israelites' 42 journeys in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Rashi explains that these stops were recorded to show God's kindness - though they traveled through harsh desert, He provided for their needs at each location. The names Tachat and Terach refer to specific encampments along their route.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these travel stops in Numbers 33?
A: The Ramban teaches that listing all the stops serves multiple purposes: 1) It demonstrates God's constant protection during 40 years of wandering, 2) It documents the historical journey for future generations, and 3) It shows that even when the people rebelled (like at Kivrot Hata'avah), God didn't abandon them but continued leading them.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from the Israelites' travels in Numbers 33:27?
A: The Midrash teaches that just as the Israelites progressed through stages in their physical journey, we too go through spiritual 'journeys' in life. Each stop represents growth opportunities. The Sfat Emet adds that even when we feel 'stuck' (like camping in one place), it's part of our Divine service - every stage has purpose in preparing us for our ultimate destination.