Why is it So Hard for the Poor Man to Ask for Help?

There are some powerful lessons in this week's Parshah - Behar (/Bechukotai). One of the most powerful teachings of the Torah appears in this week's portion - speaking about the importance of charity to others. 

Those who have seen a "beggar" (a term which strips a human being from all his dignity) often wonder how it can come about that a person should "lower" themselves to such a state. How did they get there? - people ask. They see the man lying on the ground with an old blanket around him. In front of him lies a plastic cup or a dish - practically empty, save for a few kind donations of the smallest of coins. 

Here lies a human being, but he has lost hope in life. What ever brought him to this? He tries to sleep as much as he can - just to pass the time until perhaps he will die... He waits for enough money to collect in the dish with the hope that he will be able to afford a loaf of bread and a glass of water - if he is lucky. It may take the entire day for this to happen - as passersby visit the most expensive of clothing shops / cellphone shops / "collectables" shops - and other "necessary" stores near to the man lying on the ground - on the list for the day, where the most vital of things should be purchased.

Our Parshah tells us the story. It once happened that here was a man filled with dignity. He was clean, smelled good, had a smile - and even laughed at things in life. Believe it or not - a human being - just like us! He must have given something to society at some point in time. It is just inconceivable that he did not. That is just how life works. As Ben Azzai in Pirkei Avot (4:3) teaches: "Despise no man, for there is no man who does not have his hour and no man who does not have his place."

This dignified man got along with life - moving and trying to do whatever he could. As time went on, he was not supported by others in the work and effort that he did. People did not buy from him. People did not hire his service. People would bargain with the man to get the service and goods he provided at bargain prices - often smiling to their relatives when they left - remarking at the good deal they had got! He continued on. Not much later he was unable to purchase new garments for himself. He could not even afford a new pair of spectacles he was much in need of! 

He felt it better to try to get some business - even at a loss - rather than to beg and ask others for help. With time, he could not even have a shower - because he could not afford to rent an apartment. Owning one - was not even something that appeared in his dreams... His diet - though once healthy - progressed to buying the barest minimum - eventually settling for just one meal a day (perhaps.) People began to detest the man, feeling he did not look good (now), he smelled bad. Why should they support him?! He had become a liability to society now. Why - he didn't even pay his taxes!

And then it happened. He gave up. He gave up on himself. He gave up on society. He gave up on life. Right there and then, he took the only blanket he had left, together with his last plastic cup - and he sat himself down on a business thoroughfare road somewhere. There were thousands of people walking by every day. Maybe someone would help. Really help! Get him on his feet again! Get him out of the debt he now owed... But the people walk by. They can only see a "beggar" - someone who does not contribute to society in any way. Why should anybody really take an active interest in his life? After all, three are considered dead anyway, the poor, the childless and the blind (Nedarim 64b). The poor man (and anyone who is this - knows well this feeling) is literally the walking dead.

The Torah is sensitive. There should never be a situation of a person having to become a "beggar". Let him become a professional, a person who is able to take care of himself (See Rambam's hierarchy of laws of charity - with the highest level being to give in order to help the other to be able to support himself.) Here is a person with talents and skills - and a soul... A person who can make a difference to others. But today - he sits with a cup in front of him because he has given up, because he may well never have even been given a chance!

Here the Torah teaches us - when we see the other falling - even before he stretches out his hand to ask - step in, make the difference to him NOW(!) before it is too late. When we give when the other is still stable - but in need - we do far better than when we give when the other has already fallen. Then... then it becomes practically impossible to get him up again. His dignity has been destroyed. His life's possessions have been taken away from him. The banks have closed his accounts, never to allow him to open them again(!)... His name has been ruined! The donkey has fallen / the load has fallen. It has become impossible to ever get it up again...

So many people walk around saying they are "good people". Many say how much they can relate to the man-man commandments, though they don't believe in God's commandments. Here is one of the ultimate tests. Here - we are faced with a person who seems - in our eyes - to be someone who is worth nothing (God forbid). So much so, we feel it is *his* duty to take care of himself - to get a job (whatever line we want to use - to let us off the hook from helping the other.) But now - we must come to the rescue and help the other - no matter what. We just cannot let them fall - because then... then, it will be too late. Too little... too late...

For those who don't know, I personally support myself only through Torah teaching on this site and my main site www.lovingkindness.co. It is not easy to find people willing to pay the amounts I need in order to live(!) and really, I too rely upon those who value Torah teaching and outreach - to help me to continue my own path in life. I am also a professional photographer (some of my pictures - for sale - can be seen here). People can purchase those photos - or hire me as their photographer for photography in Jerusalem. If you have valued any of my posts - please consider helping me to progress in the path I have chosen for myself, so that I too may never collapse like the load of a donkey.

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Eliyahu Shear

Rabbi, author and editor, photographer, graphic designer - so much to offer...

The Rabbi Who "Lusts" for Money

Having seen so much negative publicity about rabbis asking for financial assistance, and the apparent chillul Hashem (desecration of Hashem's Name,) I felt it important to bring out some vital information, so often neglected by the public. I'm not going in to the sources as to the permissibility of the action - rather, and more importantly, I felt another angle was necessary - one that leans towards the concept of "rabbi," his role, and how too often, he is simply taken for granted. Apparently, he is seen as a spiritual being who devotes his life completely to God, and with this, has no need to actually live a physical life. When he does choose to, he is so often condemned for his inappropriate behaviour. Perhaps, we need to seriously re-consider our thinking of who he is, his role, his availability for others, and in fact, his vital contribution to Jewish society, and in truth, the world in general.

So great has the "desecration" become, it is considered taboo for a rabbi - or a Torah scholar to dare to ask for money. He is looked down upon, frowned upon, and dismissed as someone who needs to go out and get a "proper job". Alternatively at the very least he should be prepared to offer himself to everyone at no cost, because he has indeed chosen a life of poverty - the life of the "rabbi", a spiritual being connected to God, with no need for a physical life.

Rabbis - are in fact just like other people - human beings who are composed of souls that live inside bodies. These bodies of their's require the exact same food to live, a home to live in, and maybe a car to get around in (they should be so lucky - so deserving!) They even wear garments to keep themselves warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and be of the types that are quality enough that they (the garments) bring enough respect to them, that the world may feel they are in fact dignified, honorable and clean in every respect. Surely wearing rags would do even more damage - than his apparent "lust" for wealth. 

It's not really the negative publicity that's as much of a problem - as is the sudden calling upon of the rabbi for some things he can actually give to the other - from that very person who once humiliated, insulted and degraded "the rabbis" for their apparent "lust of money", apparently contradicting everything they ever imagined about this spiritual being (they assume) they call a rabbi.

It's when suddenly at 12am they feel low about life and want someone to talk to who understands something about life - and they pick up the phone to call their "rabbi" for help. And he's actually there - prepared to talk and to listen... It's when there's a marriage and they suddenly need their "rabbi" to officiate - and he doesn't just do the ceremony as some might think - he spends years learning the laws to make sure it is done correctly. Subjects such as these require sharp, clear minds - and most of all the ability to be able to sit and learn for hours every day - without disturbance, in order to clarify that the final "show" will actually be in accordance with normative Jewish law.

It's when their baby boy turns 8 days and they need the "rabbi" (Mohel in this case - who could also be the rabbi) to take care of the commandment at that time. It's when suddenly they may need a Mezuzah checked - and call the "rabbi" (Sofer in this case - but could equally be the community rabbi) to check - or even to know just where to put the Mezuzah up. It's when they need a divorce (which can actually happen) and they need the "lustful" rabbi to have spent years learning the laws gratis as a gift to all and sundry - never to charge for his time spent in learning - to make sure he does what needs to - as it should be done.

It's when their relationship with a partner may be falling apart - and they feel the need to talk to their "rabbi" to help put things back together again - or when the father of a child dating someone of another religion feels it is not the right thing to do - and feels he must now speak to the "rabbi" to help. Now the rabbi must help - though just moments before (in their eyes at least) - he was greedy about money, bowing and kowtowing to the wealthy for help.

It's when the person realises suddenly that he needs to actually learn some Torah - he needs to grow, he needs some life, he needs some meaning which he feels suddenly that he might find in the Torah... and he calls - "heaven forbid" - the "rabbi" to help him get on track again - and return.

But God forbid that the rabbi should mention he needs any money to live - or God forbid he take a cent from anyone (especially if he has the chutzpah - the audacity - to ask from the wealthy) - lest he appear in their eyes as greedy or the like - bowing, kowtowing and lowering himself from his exalted level of spirituality - to make out as if he is a physical being of any kind.

Let us be clear, just like a doctor may study medicine for many years and then begin to charge huge sums for the work he does, as does the accountant or lawyer, the rabbi has involved himself in many years of study as well. What makes him different in the eyes of others, is the fact that they believe that by following God, by being spiritual, by living a more spiritual (apparently dignified) life, he should offer his service at no charge, or at minimum charge, or should at least compromise to everyone's wishes to what they can afford. He dare not ask for money when he is battling (note: to survive!) because this should be beneath the dignity of one who sets himself up in the eyes of others as a Godly person, a spiritual person engaged in spiritual pursuits.

The truth is - as any Jew should know, the rabbi performs many functions. Sometimes he talks to inspire a congregation. Sometimes he teaches children. Sometimes he teaches adults. Sometimes he acts as a friend. Other times he will help others with the rituals they are in need of performing. Sometimes he offers spiritual advice to assist others in their growth in life. He may be available all day and all night - being prepared to wake up whenever another is in need - in order to help them immediately. He has so many hats - even if it appears he only wears one (an old black one that seems to look like he really needs to replace it!) He does so much... (very often without any charge at all!) Yet, many do not realise just how much he gives... until of course, it is they who suddenly need his help...

It may seem "undignified" for the rabbi to have to ask for money to live, but in truth, it is not he who is at fault. It is we - the one's who will not pay him his fair due to live appropriately and be able to give of his time without the need to wonder how to make ends meet. When we give more, without his having to ask - he will be able to do more, and appear even more dignified in our eyes for the tremendous work and good that he does in fact do.

It just takes a little thought to ponder upon his role in life and how so many need it. When we see him asking for help, for financial assistance, it is not for us to judge how lowly he is and what a chillul Hashem (a desecration of God's Name) he has done. Rather, it is for us to remember, that he too is a person who needs to live, to eat, to wear garments, to have a house to live in and maybe even a car to drive! 

We must remember, that when we give without stinginess, then when the day comes that it is we who need the help from that rabbi - he will be there for us. For if not, then when one day we do need his help - for anything - he will not be there for us. He will be unable to learn. Perhaps, one day, instead of offering sage advice to make the difference in a life-or-death question that one has - he will find that "rabbi" checking his goods out at the supermarket.

Parshat HaMan - The Torah Portion of the Manna - Blessings For Wealth!

Post Prepared by Eliyahu Shear - Co-Director Chessed Ve'Emet

www.lovingkindness.co

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We ask ourselves - what types of Segulot (good omens) can one do to bring the blessing of financial wealth to ourselves? The best answer is of course - to follow the Torah. To study Torah as much as possible whenever one can - and to do acts of kindness all the time. It also includes refraining from those actions not sanctioned by the Torah and all acts that hurt others and go against G-d's will. Beyond this - we must never forget that no matter what - ultimately all wealth stems from G-d's blessing directly. 

Ultimately - in the end - it is up to Him as He decides when He wishes to - to bless us with abundance (Shefah) and goodness in our lives - no matter what we do (or even don't do.) Everything is in the hands of heaven - except for the fear of heaven. Let us also not forget to physically put in whatever effort we can - when we can - to contribute to the world in every way and to others, so that we can receive payment for the things we do. And let us never forget to actually pay those who work for us - in honesty, abundance and with as much care for the need for them to have wealth - as we wish for ourselves.

Nevertheless the Jewish people have been told by its sages regarding certain special times of the year and things one can do and prayers that can be said which act as additional special good omens (Segulot) that may assist in bringing down the blessing of wealth into one's life. Here is one of them:

It is said in the name of Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Rimanov that it is a good omen (Segulah) to recite the Parshat HaMan - the portion in the Torah dealing with the falling of the Manna in the desert during the days the Bnei Yisroel were travelling through on their way to the Holy Land - two times in the original Hebrew and once in the Aramaic translation on the Tuesday of Parshat VaYishlach (i.e. today 19 January 2016). It is a known and well publicized Segulah among the Jewish people. The text is provided below for your convenience together with the verse numbers appearing at the beginning of each verse (which is obviously not said.) The full text is from Exodus 16:4-36 and is found in Parshat BeShalach in the book of Shemot.

A brief prayer should be recited before and after the text (included.)

יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ יְיָ אֱלהֵינוּ וֵאלהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ שֶׁתַּזְמִין פַּרְנָסָה לְכָל עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וּפַרְנָסָתִי וּפַרְנָסַת אַנְשֵׁי בֵיתִי בִּכְלָלָם. בְּנַחַת וְלא בְּצַעַר בְּכָבוֹד וְלא בְּבִזּוּי בְּהֶתֵּר וְלא בְּאִסּוּר כְּדֵי שֶׁנּוּכַל לַעֲבוֹד עֲבוֹדָתֶךָ וְלִלְמוֹד תּוֹרָתֶךָ כְּמוֹ שֶׁזַנְתָּ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ מָן בַּמִּדְבָּר בְּאֶרֶץ צִיָּה וַעֲרָבָה:

ד וַיֹּאמֶר יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה הִנְנִי מַמְטִיר לָכֶם לֶחֶם מִן הַשָּׁמָיִם וְיָצָא הָעָם וְלָקְטוּ דְּבַר יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ לְמַעַן אֲנַסֶּנּוּ הֲיֵלֵךְ בְּתוֹרָתִי אִם לֹא: וַיֹּאמֶר יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה הִנְנִי מַמְטִיר לָכֶם לֶחֶם מִן הַשָּׁמָיִם וְיָצָא הָעָם וְלָקְטוּ דְּבַר יוֹם בְּיוֹמוֹ לְמַעַן אֲנַסֶּנּוּ הֲיֵלֵךְ בְּתוֹרָתִי אִם לֹא:(אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר יְיָ לְמֹשֶׁה הָא אֲנָא מָחֵית לְכוֹן לַחְמָא מִן שְׁמַיָּא וְיִפְּקוּן עַמָּא וְיִלְקְטוּן פִּתְגַּם יוֹם בְּיוֹמֵיהּ בְּדִיל דַּאֲנַסִּנּוּן הַיְהָכוּן בְּאוֹרַיְתִי אִם לָא:

ה וְהָיָה בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי וְהֵכִינוּ אֵת אֲשֶׁר יָבִיאוּ וְהָיָה מִשְׁנֶה עַל אֲשֶׁר יִלְקְטוּ יוֹם יוֹם: וְהָיָה בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי וְהֵכִינוּ אֵת אֲשֶׁר יָבִיאוּ וְהָיָה מִשְׁנֶה עַל אֲשֶׁר יִלְקְטוּ יוֹם יוֹם: (אונקלוס) וִיהֵי בְּיוֹמָא שְׁתִיתָאָה וִיתַקְּנוּן יָת דְּיַיְתוּן וִיהֵי עַל חַד תְּרֵין עַל דְּיִלְקְטוּן יוֹם יוֹם:

ו וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן אֶל כָּל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עֶרֶב וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי יְיָ הוֹצִיא אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם: וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן אֶל כָּל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עֶרֶב וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי יְיָ הוֹצִיא אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן לְכָל בְּנֵי יִשְרָאֵל בְּרַמְשָׁא וְתִדְּעוּן אֲרֵי יְיָ אַפֵּיק יָתְכוֹן מֵאַרְעָא דְמִצְרָיִם:

ז וּבֹקֶר וּרְאִיתֶם אֶת כְּבוֹד יְיָ בְּשָׁמְעוֹ אֶת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם עַל יְיָ וְנַחְנוּ מָה כִּי תַלִּינוּ עָלֵינוּ: וּבֹקֶר וּרְאִיתֶם אֶת כְּבוֹד יְיָ בְּשָׁמְעוֹ אֶת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם עַל יְיָ וְנַחְנוּ מָה כִּי תַלִּינוּ עָלֵינוּ: (אונקלוס) וּבְצַפְרָא וְתֶחֱזוּן יָת יְקָרָא דַיְיָ כַּד שְׁמִיעַ (קֳדָמוֹהִי) יָת תֻּרְעֲמוּתְכוֹן עַל מֵימְרָא דַיְיָ וְנַחְנָא מָה אֲרֵי אַתְרַעַמְתּוּן עֲלָנָא:

ח וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה בְּתֵת יְיָ לָכֶם בָּעֶרֶב בָּשָׂר לֶאֱכֹל וְלֶחֶם בַּבֹּקֶר לִשְׂבֹּעַ בִּשְׁמֹעַ יְיָ אֶת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם מַלִּינִם עָלָיו וְנַחְנוּ מָה לֹא עָלֵינוּ תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם כִּי עַל יְיָ: וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה בְּתֵת יְיָ לָכֶם בָּעֶרֶב בָּשָׂר לֶאֱכֹל וְלֶחֶם בַּבֹּקֶר לִשְׂבֹּעַ בִּשְׁמֹעַ יְיָ אֶת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם מַלִּינִם עָלָיו וְנַחְנוּ מָה לֹא עָלֵינוּ תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם כִּי עַל יְיָ: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה בִּדְיִתַּן יְיָ לְכוֹן בְּרַמְשָׁא בִּסְרָא לְמֵיכַל וְלַחְמָא בְּצַפְרָא לְמִסְבַּע בְּדִשְׁמִיעַן קֳדָם יְיָ יָת תֻּרְעֲמוּתְכוֹן דִּי אַתּוּן מִתְרַעֲמִין עֲלוֹהִי וְנַחְנָא מָא לָא עֲלָנָא תֻּרְעֲמוּתְכוֹן אֶלָּהֵן עַל מֵימְרָא דַיְיָ:

ט וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל אַהֲרֹן אֱמֹר אֶל כָּל עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל קִרְבוּ לִפְנֵי יְיָ, כִּי שָׁמַע אֵת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם: וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל אַהֲרֹן אֱמֹר אֶל כָּל עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל קִרְבוּ לִפְנֵי יְיָ, כִּי שָׁמַע אֵת תְּלֻנֹּתֵיכֶם: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה לְאַהֲרֹן אֱמַר לְכָל כְּנִשְׁתָּא דִּבְנֵי יִשְרָאֵל קְרִיבוּ קֳדָם יְיָ אֲרֵי שְׁמִיעַן קֳדָמוֹהִי יָת תֻּרְעֲמוּתְכוֹן:

י וַיְהִי כְּדַבֵּר אַהֲרֹן אֶל כָּל עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּפְנוּ אֶל הַמִּדְבָּר וְהִנֵּה כְּבוֹד יְיָ נִרְאָה בֶּעָנָן: וַיְהִי כְּדַבֵּר אַהֲרֹן אֶל כָּל עֲדַת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּפְנוּ אֶל הַמִּדְבָּר וְהִנֵּה כְּבוֹד יְיָ נִרְאָה בֶּעָנָן: (אונקלוס) וַהֲוָה כַּד מַלִּיל אַהֲרֹן עִם כָּל כְּנִשְׁתָּא דִבְנֵי יִשְרָאֵל וְאִתְפְּנִיּוּ לְמַדְבְּרָא וְהָא יְקָרָא דַיְיָ אִתְגְּלִי בַּעֲנָנָא:

יא וַיְדַבֵּר יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר: וַיְדַבֵּר יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר: (אונקלוס) וּמַלִּיל יְיָ עִם מֹשֶׁה לְמֵימָר:

יב שָׁמַעְתִּי אֶת תְּלוּנֹּת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל דַּבֵּר אֲלֵהֶם לֵאמֹר בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם תֹּאכְלוּ בָשָׂר וּבַבֹּקֶר תִּשְׂבְּעוּ לָחֶם וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי אֲנִי יְיָ אֱלֹהֵיכֶם: שָׁמַעְתִּי אֶת תְּלוּנֹּת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל דַּבֵּר אֲלֵהֶם לֵאמֹר בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם תֹּאכְלוּ בָשָׂר וּבַבֹּקֶר תִּשְׂבְּעוּ לָחֶם וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי אֲנִי יְיָ אֱלֹהֵיכֶם: (אונקלוס) שְׁמִיעַ קֳדָמַי יָת תֻּרְעֲמַת בְּנֵי יִשְרָאֵל מַלֵּיל עִמְּהוֹן לְמֵימַר בֵּין שִׁמְשַׁיָּא תֵּיכְלוּן בִּסְרָא וּבְצַפְרָא תִּשְבְּעוּן לַחְמָא וְתִדְּעוּן אֲרֵי אֲנָא יְיָ אֱלָהָכוֹן: י

יג וַיְהִי בָעֶרֶב וַתַּעַל הַשְּׂלָו וַתְּכַס אֶת הַמַּחֲנֶה וּבַבֹּקֶר הָיְתָה שִׁכְבַת הַטָּל סָבִיב לַמַּחֲנֶה: וַיְהִי בָעֶרֶב וַתַּעַל הַשְּׂלָו וַתְּכַס אֶת הַמַּחֲנֶה וּבַבֹּקֶר הָיְתָה שִׁכְבַת הַטָּל סָבִיב לַמַּחֲנֶה: (אונקלוס) וַהֲוָה בְרַמְשָׁא וּסְלֵיקַת סְלָיו וַחֲפַת יָת מַשְׁרִיתָא וּבְצַפְרָא הֲוַת נְחָתַת טַלָּא סְחוֹר סְחוֹר לְמַשְׁרִיתָא:

יד וַתַּעַל שִׁכְבַת הַטָּל וְהִנֵּה עַל פְּנֵי הַמִּדְבָּר דַּק מְחֻסְפָּס דַּק כַּכְּפֹר עַל הָאָרֶץ: וַתַּעַל שִׁכְבַת הַטָּל וְהִנֵּה עַל פְּנֵי הַמִּדְבָּר דַּק מְחֻסְפָּס דַּק כַּכְּפֹר עַל הָאָרֶץ: (אונקלוס) וּסְלֵיקַת נְחָתַת טַלָּא וְהָא עַל אַפֵּי מַדְבְּרָא דַּעְדַּק מְקַלַּף דַּעְדַּק כְּגִיר כִּגְלִידָא עַל אַרְעָא:

טו וַיִּרְאוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֹּאמְרוּ אִישׁ אֶל אָחִיו מָן הוּא כִּי לֹא יָדְעוּ מַה הוּא וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֲלֵהֶם הוּא הַלֶּחֶם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יְיָ לָכֶם לְאָכְלָה: וַיִּרְאוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֹּאמְרוּ אִישׁ אֶל אָחִיו מָן הוּא כִּי לֹא יָדְעוּ מַה הוּא וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֲלֵהֶם הוּא הַלֶּחֶם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יְיָ לָכֶם לְאָכְלָה: (אונקלוס) וַחֲזוֹ בְנֵי יִשְרָאֵל וַאֲמָרוּ גְּבַר לַאֲחוּהִי מַנָּא הוּא אֲרֵי לָא יְדָעוּ מָה הוּא וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה לְהוֹן הוּא לַחְמָא דִּיהַב יְיָ לְכוֹן לְמֵיכָל:

טז זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְיָ לִקְטוּ מִמֶּנּוּ אִישׁ לְפִי אָכְלוֹ עֹמֶר לַגֻּלְגֹּלֶת מִסְפַּר נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם אִישׁ לַאֲשֶׁר בְּאָהֳלוֹ תִּקָּחוּ: זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְיָ לִקְטוּ מִמֶּנּוּ אִישׁ לְפִי אָכְלוֹ עֹמֶר לַגֻּלְגֹּלֶת מִסְפַּר נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם אִישׁ לַאֲשֶׁר בְּאָהֳלוֹ תִּקָּחוּ: (אונקלוס) דֵּין פִּתְגָּמָא דִּי פַקִּיד יְיָ לְקוּטוּ מִנֵּיהּ גְּבַר לְפוּם מֵיכְלֵיהּ עֻמְרָא לְגֻלְגַּלְתָּא מִנְיַן נַפְשָׁתֵיכוֹן גְּבַר לְדִי בְמַשְׁכְּנֵיהּ תִּסְּבוּן:

יז וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כֵן בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּלְקְטוּ הַמַּרְבֶּה וְהַמַּמְעִיט: וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כֵן בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּלְקְטוּ הַמַּרְבֶּה וְהַמַּמְעִיט:(אונקלוס) וַעֲבַדוּ כֵּין בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וּלְקַטוּ דְּאַסְגִּי וּדְאַזְעַר:

יח וַיָּמֹדּוּ בָעֹמֶר וְלֹא הֶעְדִּיף הַמַּרְבֶּה וְהַמַּמְעִיט לֹא הֶחְסִיר אִישׁ לְפִי אָכְלוֹ לָקָטוּ: וַיָּמֹדּוּ בָעֹמֶר וְלֹא הֶעְדִּיף הַמַּרְבֶּה וְהַמַּמְעִיט לֹא הֶחְסִיר אִישׁ לְפִי אָכְלוֹ לָקָטוּ: (אונקלוס) וּכְלוֹ בְעֻמְרָא וְלָא אוֹתַר דְּאַסְגֵּי וּדְאַזְעֵר לָא חַסִּיר גְּבַר לְפוּם מֵיכְלֵיהּ לְקָטוּ:

יט וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֲלֵהֶם אִישׁ אַל יוֹתֵר מִמֶּנּוּ עַד בֹּקֶר: וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֲלֵהֶם אִישׁ אַל יוֹתֵר מִמֶּנּוּ עַד בֹּקֶר: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה לְהוֹן אֱנַשׁ לָא יַשְׁאַר מִנֵּיהּ עַד צַפְרָא:

כ וְלֹא שָׁמְעוּ אֶל מֹשֶׁה וַיּוֹתִרוּ אֲנָשִׁים מִמֶּנּוּ עַד בֹּקֶר וַיָּרֻם תּוֹלָעִים וַיִּבְאַשׁ וַיִּקְצֹף עֲלֵהֶם מֹשֶׁה: וְלֹא שָׁמְעוּ אֶל מֹשֶׁה וַיּוֹתִרוּ אֲנָשִׁים מִמֶּנּוּ עַד בֹּקֶר וַיָּרֻם תּוֹלָעִים וַיִּבְאַשׁ וַיִּקְצֹף עֲלֵהֶם מֹשֶׁה: (אונקלוס) וְלָא קַבִּילוּ מִן מֹשֶׁה וְאַשְׁאָרוּ גֻבְרַיָּא מִנֵּיהּ עַד צַפְרָא וּרְחֵשׁ רִיחֲשָׁא וּסְרִי וּרְגֵז עֲלֵיהוֹן מֹשֶׁה:

כא וַיִּלְקְטוּ אֹתוֹ בַּבֹּקֶר בַּבֹּקֶר אִישׁ כְּפִי אָכְלוֹ וְחַם הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וְנָמָס: וַיִּלְקְטוּ אֹתוֹ בַּבֹּקֶר בַּבֹּקֶר אִישׁ כְּפִי אָכְלוֹ וְחַם הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ וְנָמָס:(אונקלוס) וּלְקָטוּ יָתֵיהּ בִּצְפַר בִּצְפָר גְּבַר לְפוּם מֵיכְלֵיהּ וּמָה דְמִשְׁתָּאַר מִנֵּיהּ עַל אַפֵּי חַקְלָא כַּד חֲמָא עֲלוֹהִי שִׁמְשָׁא פָּשָׁר:

כב וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי לָקְטוּ לֶחֶם מִשְׁנֶה שְׁנֵי הָעֹמֶר לָאֶחָד וַיָּבֹאוּ כָּל נְשִׂיאֵי הָעֵדָה וַיַּגִּידוּ לְמֹשֶׁה: וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי לָקְטוּ לֶחֶם מִשְׁנֶה שְׁנֵי הָעֹמֶר לָאֶחָד וַיָּבֹאוּ כָּל נְשִׂיאֵי הָעֵדָה וַיַּגִּידוּ לְמֹשֶׁה (אונקלוס) וַהֲוָה בְּיוֹמָא שְׁתִיאָתָאָה לְקָטוּ לַחְמָא עַל חַד תְּרֵין תְּרֵין עֻמְרִין לְחַד וְאֲתוֹ כָּל רַבְרְבֵי כְנִשְׁתָּא וְחַוִּיאוּ לְמֹשֶׁה:

כג וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם הוּא אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְיָ שַׁבָּתוֹן שַׁבַּת קֹדֶשׁ לַיְיָ מָחָר אֵת אֲשֶׁר תֹּאפוּ אֵפוּ וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר תְּבַשְּׁלוּ בַּשֵּׁלוּ וְאֵת כָּל הָעֹדֵף הַנִּיחוּ לָכֶם לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת עַד הַבֹּקֶר: וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם הוּא אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְיָ שַׁבָּתוֹן שַׁבַּת קֹדֶשׁ לַיְיָ מָחָר אֵת אֲשֶׁר תֹּאפוּ אֵפוּ וְאֵת אֲשֶׁר תְּבַשְּׁלוּ בַּשֵּׁלוּ וְאֵת כָּל הָעֹדֵף הַנִּיחוּ לָכֶם לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת עַד הַבֹּקֶר: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר לְהוֹן הוּא דִּי מַלִּיל יְיָ שְׁבָתָא שְׁבַת קוּדְשָׁא קֳדָם יְיָ מְחָר יָת דִּי אַתּוּן עֲתִידִין לְמֵפָא אֱפוֹ וְיָת דִּי אַתּוּן עֲתִידִין לְבַשָּׁלָא בַּשִּׁילוּ וְיָת כָּל מוֹתָרָא אַצְנָעוּ לְכוֹן לְמַטְּרַת עַד צַפְרָא:

כד וַיַּנִּיחוּ אֹתוֹ עַד הַבֹּקֶר כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה מֹשֶׁה וְלֹא הִבְאִישׁ וְרִמָּה לֹא הָיְתָה בּוֹ: וַיַּנִּיחוּ אֹתוֹ עַד הַבֹּקֶר כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה מֹשֶׁה וְלֹא הִבְאִישׁ וְרִמָּה לֹא הָיְתָה בּוֹ: (אונקלוס) וְאַצְנָעוּ יָתֵיהּ עַד צַפְרָא כְּמָא דִּפַקִּיד מֹשֶׁה וְלָא סְרִי וְרִיחֲשָׁא לָא הֲוָה בֵיהּ:

כה וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אִכְלֻהוּ הַיּוֹם כִּי שַׁבָּת הַיּוֹם לַיְיָ הַיּוֹם לֹא תִמְצָאֻהוּ בַּשָּׂדֶה: וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אִכְלֻהוּ הַיּוֹם כִּי שַׁבָּת הַיּוֹם לַיְיָ הַיּוֹם לֹא תִמְצָאֻהוּ בַּשָּׂדֶה: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה אִכְלוּהִי יוֹמָא דֵין אֲרֵי שַׁבְּתָא יוֹמָא דֵין קֳדָם יְיָ יוֹמָא דֵין לָא תַשְׁכְּחֻנֵּיהּ בְּחַקְלָא:

כו שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תִּלְקְטֻהוּ וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּת לֹא יִהְיֶה בּוֹ: שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תִּלְקְטֻהוּ וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּת לֹא יִהְיֶה בּוֹ: (אונקלוס)שִׁתָּא יוֹמִין תִּלְקְטֻנֵּיהּ וּבְיוֹמָא שְׁבִיעָאָה שַׁבְּתָא לָא יְהֵי בֵיהּ:

כז וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי יָצְאוּ מִן הָעָם לִלְקֹט וְלֹא מָצָאוּ: וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי יָצְאוּ מִן הָעָם לִלְקֹט וְלֹא מָצָאוּ: (אונקלוס) וַהֲוָה בְּיוֹמָא שְׁבִיעָאָה נְפָקוּ מִן עַמָּא לְמִלְקָט וְלָא אַשְׁכָּחוּ:

כח וַיֹּאמֶר יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה עַד אָנָה מֵאַנְתֶּם לִשְׁמֹר מִצְוֹתַי וְתוֹרֹתָי: וַיֹּאמֶר יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה עַד אָנָה מֵאַנְתֶּם לִשְׁמֹר מִצְוֹתַי וְתוֹרֹתָי:(אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר יְיָ לְמֹשֶׁה עַד אֵימָתַי אַתּוּן מְסָרְבִין לְמִטַּר פִּקּוּדַי וְאוֹרָיָתִי:

כט רְאוּ כִּי יְיָ נָתַן לָכֶם הַשַּׁבָּת עַל כֵּן הוּא נֹתֵן לָכֶם בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי לֶחֶם יוֹמָיִם שְׁבוּ אִישׁ תַּחְתָּיו אַל יֵצֵא אִישׁ מִמְּקֹמוֹ בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי: רְאוּ כִּי יְיָ נָתַן לָכֶם הַשַּׁבָּת עַל כֵּן הוּא נֹתֵן לָכֶם בַּיּוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי לֶחֶם יוֹמָיִם שְׁבוּ אִישׁ תַּחְתָּיו אַל יֵצֵא אִישׁ מִמְּקֹמוֹ בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי: (אונקלוס) חֲזוֹ אֲרֵי יְיָ יְהַב לְכוֹן שַׁבְּתָא עַל כֵּן הוּא יָהֵב לְכוֹן בְּיוֹמָא שְׁתִיתָאָה לְחֵם תְּרֵין יוֹמִין תִּיבוּ אֱנַשׁ תְּחוֹתוֹהִי לָא יִפּוֹק אֱנַשׁ מֵאַתְרֵיהּ בְּיוֹמָא שְׁבִיעָאָה:

ל וַיִּשְׁבְּתוּ הָעָם בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִעִי: וַיִּשְׁבְּתוּ הָעָם בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִעִי: (אונקלוס) וְנָחוּ עַמָּא בְּיוֹמָא שְׁבִיעָאָה:

לא וַיִּקְרְאוּ בֵית יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת שְׁמוֹ מָן וְהוּא כְּזֶרַע גַּד לָבָן וְטַעְמוֹ כְּצַפִּיחִת בִּדְבָשׁ: וַיִּקְרְאוּ בֵית יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת שְׁמוֹ מָן וְהוּא כְּזֶרַע גַּד לָבָן וְטַעְמוֹ כְּצַפִּיחִת בִּדְבָשׁ: (אונקלוס) וּקְרוֹ בֵית יִשְרָאֵל יָת שְׁמֵיהּ מָן וְהוּא כְּבַר זְרַע גַּדָּא חִוָּר וְטַעֲמֵיהּ כְּאִסְקְרֵיטָוָן בִּדְבָשׁ:

לב וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְיָ מְלֹא הָעֹמֶר מִמֶּנּוּ לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם לְמַעַן יִרְאוּ אֶת הַלֶּחֶם אֲשֶׁר הֶאֱכַלְתִּי אֶתְכֶם בַּמִּדְבָּר בְּהוֹצִיאִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם: וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְיָ מְלֹא הָעֹמֶר מִמֶּנּוּ לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם לְמַעַן יִרְאוּ אֶת הַלֶּחֶם אֲשֶׁר הֶאֱכַלְתִּי אֶתְכֶם בַּמִּדְבָּר בְּהוֹצִיאִי אֶתְכֶם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה דֵּין פִּתְגָּמָא דִּי פַקִּיד יְיָ מְלֵי עֻמְרָא מִנֵּיהּ לְמַטְּרָא לְדָרֵיכוֹן בְּדִיל דְּיֶחֱזוּן יָת לַחְמָא דִּי אוֹכָלִית יָתְכוֹן בְּמַדְבְּרָא בְּאַפָּקוּתִי יָתְכוֹן מֵאַרְעָא דְמִצְרָיִם:

לג וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל אַהֲרֹן קַח צִנְצֶנֶת אַחַת וְתֶן שָׁמָּה מְלֹא הָעֹמֶר מָן וְהַנַּח אֹתוֹ לִפְנֵי יְיָ לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם: וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל אַהֲרֹן קַח צִנְצֶנֶת אַחַת וְתֶן שָׁמָּה מְלֹא הָעֹמֶר מָן וְהַנַּח אֹתוֹ לִפְנֵי יְיָ לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם: (אונקלוס) וַאֲמַר מֹשֶׁה לְאַהֲרֹן סַב צְלוֹחִית חֲדָא וְהַב תַּמָּן מְלֵי עֻמְרָא מָן וְאַצְנַע יָתֵיהּ קֳדָם יְיָ לְמַטְרָא לְדָרֵיכוֹן:

לד כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה וַיַּנִּיחֵהוּ אַהֲרֹן לִפְנֵי הָעֵדֻת לְמִשְׁמָרֶת: כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְיָ אֶל מֹשֶׁה וַיַּנִּיחֵהוּ אַהֲרֹן לִפְנֵי הָעֵדֻת לְמִשְׁמָרֶת:(אונקלוס) כְּמָא דִי פַקִּיד יְיָ לְמֹשֶׁה וְאַצְנְעֵיהּ אַהֲרֹן קֳדָם סַהֲדוּתָא לְמַטְּרָא:

לה וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אָכְלוּ אֶת הַמָּן אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה עַד בֹּאָם אֶל אֶרֶץ נוֹשָׁבֶת אֶת הַמָּן אָכְלוּ עַד בֹּאָם אֶל קְצֵה אֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן: וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אָכְלוּ אֶת הַמָּן אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה עַד בֹּאָם אֶל אֶרֶץ נוֹשָׁבֶת אֶת הַמָּן אָכְלוּ עַד בֹּאָם אֶל קְצֵה אֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן: (אונקלוס) וּבְנֵי יִשְרָאֵל אֲכָלוּ יָת מַנָּא אַרְבְּעִין שְׁנִין עַד דְּמֵיתֵיהוֹן לְאַרְעָא יָתְבָתָא יָת מַנָּא אֲכָלוּ עַד דְּאָתוֹ לִסְיָפֵי אַרְעָא דִכְנָעַן:

לו וְהָעֹמֶר עֲשִׂרִית הָאֵיפָה הוּא: וְהָעֹמֶר עֲשִׂרִית הָאֵיפָה הוּא: (אונקלוס) וְעֻמְרָא חַד מִן עַסְרָא בִּתְלָת סְאִין הוּא:

אַתָּה הוּא יְיָ לְבַדֶּךָ אַתָּה עָשִׂיתָ אֶת הַשָּׁמַיִם וּשְׁמֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם הָאָרֶץ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר עָלֶיהָ הַיַּמִים וְכָל אֲשֶׁר בָּהֶם וְאַתָּה מְחַיֶּה אֶת כֻּלָּם וְאַתָּה הוּא שֶׁעָשִׂיתָ נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת גְּדוֹלוֹת תָּמִיד עִם אֲבוֹתֵינוּ גַּם בַּמִּדְבָּר הִמְטַרְתָּ לָהֶם לֶחֶם מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם וּמִצּוּר הַחַלָּמִישׁ הוֹצֵאתָ לָהֶם מַיִם וְגַם נָתַתָּ לָהֶם כָּל צָרְכֵיהֶם שִׂמְלוֹתָם לא בָלְתָה מֵעֲלֵיהֶם כֵּן בְּרַחֲמֶיךָ הָרַבִּים וּבַחֲסָדֶיךָ הָעֲצוּמִים תְּזוּנֵנוּ וּתְפַרְנְסֵנוּ וּתְכַלְכְּלֵנוּ וְתַסְפִּיק לָנוּ כָּל צָרְכֵנוּ וְצָרְכֵי עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל הַמְרוּבִּים בְּמִלּוּי וּבְרֶוַח בְּלִי טֹרַח וְעָמָל גָּדוֹל מִתַּחַת יָדְךָ הַנְּקִיָּה וְלֹא מִתַּחַת יְדֵי בָשָׂר וָדָם: יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ יְיָ אֱלהַי וֵאלהֵי אֲבוֹתַי שֶׁתָּכִין לִי וּלְאַנְשֵׁי בֵיתִי כָּל מַחֲסוֹרֵנוּ וְתַזְמִין לָנוּ כָּל צָרְכֵנוּ לְכָל יוֹם וָיּוֹם מֵחַיֵּינוּ דֵי מַחֲסוֹרֵנוּ וּלְכָל שָׁעָה וְשָׁעָה מִשָּׁעוֹתֵינוּ דֵי סִפּוּקֵנוּ וּלְכָל עֶצֶם מֵעֲצָמֵינוּ דֵי מִחְיָתֵנוּ מִיָּדְךָ הַטוֹבָה וְהָרְחָבָה וְלֹא כְּמִעוּט מִפְעָלֵינוּ וְקוֹצֶר חֲסָדֵינוּ וּמִזְעֵיר גְּמוּלוֹתֵינוּ וְיִהְיוּ מְזוֹנוֹתַי וּמְזוֹנוֹת אַנְשֵׁי בֵיתִי וְזַרְעִי וְזֶרַע זַרְעִי מְסוּרִים בְּיָדְךָ וְלֹא בְּיַד בָּשָׂר וָדָם: