Ibn Ezra: Moses in the House (Pekudei)
Abraham ibn Ezra seeks to understand what the text means when it says Moses could not enter the space where he is supposed to talk to God.
Abraham ibn Ezra seeks to understand what the text means when it says Moses could not enter the space where he is supposed to talk to God.
After a year of studying the Torah commentary of Rabbi Shmuel ben Meir (the Rashbam), grandson of Rashi, I offer five takeaway reflections.
God protects us like the ishon of God’s eye. Most commentators understand ishon to mean pupil. But Rashbam suggests it means eyelid instead.
Moses talks about the poem he will be reciting to the Israelites – prompting Rashbam to share his thoughts on what exactly makes something poetry.
Abraham ibn Ezra (1092-1167 CE) was born in Tudela, in northern Spain. From age 50 until his death at 75, he wandered all over Europe and taught Torah.