Rabbi Yosei Hamodai Offered a Clever Observation About the Order in

Mekhilta Tractate Vayassa 2:10

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·March 24, 2026

R. Yossi Hamodai says: Know this to be so, for they were given kishuim last (i.e., as a last alternative), wherefore it is written "kishuim" last (viz. Numbers 11:5), in that they were hard ("kashim") on their stomachs.

Themes

Continue Reading

Legends of the JewsWisdom of AmramThe Egyptians didn't just use brute force to control the Hebrews. They were clever. Insidiously so. They started with tempting promises. Imagine this: a shiny s Ben SiraThe Sage Who Camps Outside Wisdom's HouseBen Sira paints a picture of someone so deeply connected to wisdom that they "encamp about her house." What does that even mean? It's more than just visiting. I Letter of AristeasEleazar Studies TorahThe Letter of Aristeas, a fascinating peek into the world of 3rd-century BCE Alexandria, gives us a clue. It's framed as a letter from Aristeas, an official in Letter of AristeasFools and Sages of LetterThere's a deeper reason, a philosophy woven into the very fabric of Jewish life. You're sitting with a wise sage, someone deeply connected to the ancient tradit Book of JasherWisdom of RikayonBook of Jasher turns to Wisdom of Rikayon. So, here's the scene. Rikayon, a wise but impoverished man from the land of Shinar, decides he needs a career change.Book of JasherTrial of AdikamThere are entire books dedicated to filling in those gaps, offering tantalizing glimpses into the lives of our ancestors. One such book is the Book of Jasher, a