The Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses how, on the day of Moses' passing, the Manna ceased, but the Jewish people continued to be sustained by the leftover Manna until the 16th of Nissan. Similarly, the Gemara mentions that the dough-cakes the Jews took from Egypt tasted like the Manna. Is the Gemara merely recounting historical events, or does it hold a deeper significance?

Shem Mishmuel, in Shelach 10, offers an explanation that goes beyond historical narrative. He suggests that living off the Manna was an extraordinary experience, and transitioning from regular food to this heavenly sustenance, and then back to regular food, would have been challenging for the human body and psyche. Therefore, the dough-cakes before entering the wilderness and the Manna leftovers at the journey's end were made to taste like the Manna. This provided a smoother transition from a physical to a heavenly diet and vice versa.

This idea reflects a fundamental human need for transition and adjustment periods. The Torah acknowledges this need in various aspects of Jewish life:

  • Chametz is already prohibited before Passover (Mishna Pesachim 1:4), allowing for a transition period as people prepare for the holiday.
  • There is a practice of adding time to Shabbos, refraining from work before it is officially evening. Some authorities consider this a biblical requirement (see Mishna Berura 261:19).
  • Before receiving the Torah, the Jewish people were instructed to prepare for two to three days (Shemos 19:15), recognizing the need for a mental and spiritual transition.
  • The High Priest (Cohen Gadol) underwent a seven-day preparation and consecration process before performing the Yom Kippur service, inaugurating the Mishkan (Tabernacle), or offering the Red Heifer.

In today's fast-paced world, we often overlook these truths of human nature and push against them, which can be detrimental to our well-being. We try to stay awake when we are too tired, we wake up too early, we push new mothers to get back to work, expect mourners to “get over it”, and demand that our children to act as adults at times that are beyond their capacity. It is essential to strike a balance between hard work and respecting the natural needs of the human body and psyche. Allowing for adjustment periods and transitions can lead to healthier and more sustainable outcomes in our lives, aligning with the wisdom from the Torah.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation cool

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