Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 33:24 mean when it says they traveled from Mount Shefer to Charada?
A: Numbers 33:24 records one of the 42 journeys of the Israelites in the wilderness. According to Rashi, each encampment was directed by Hashem through the clouds of glory. Mount Shefer ('Beautiful Mountain') may symbolize a place of spiritual elevation, while Charada ('Fear' or 'Trembling') represents challenges that refine faith. The sequence teaches that spiritual growth often involves moving from comfort to tests.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these encampments in Numbers 33?
A: The Ramban explains that listing all 42 encampments (1) demonstrates Hashem's kindness in sustaining Israel through the wilderness, (2) parallels the 42-letter Divine Name of creation, showing this journey was part of a divine plan, and (3) serves as historical testimony for future generations. The Midrash (Tanchuma Massei 3) compares it to a king showing his child all the places they traveled together.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the name 'Charada' (Fear) in this verse?
A: The name Charada ('Fear') teaches that encountering fear is part of spiritual growth. The Sfas Emes explains that after the heights of Mount Shefer ('Beauty'), the Israelites needed the humility of Charada to progress. In Jewish thought (as seen in Talmud, Berachos 60a), fear of Heaven is the beginning of wisdom - not paralyzing terror, but awe that leads to careful mitzvah observance.
Q: How does this verse about wilderness journeys apply to life today?
A: The Baal Shem Tov taught that the 42 journeys represent every Jew's spiritual path. Just as the Israelites moved between elevation (Shefer) and challenge (Charada), our lives alternate between inspiring moments and tests that build character. The Lubavitcher Rebbe emphasized that no journey is wasted - each stop, even difficult ones, prepares us for the next stage in serving Hashem.
Location and Meaning of the Places
The verse describes the journey of Bnei Yisrael from Har Shefer to Charada during their travels in the wilderness. Rashi (Bamidbar 33:24) explains that these names are not merely geographical markers but carry deeper significance. Har Shefer ("Mountain of Beauty") alludes to the spiritual beauty and splendor of Torah study, while Charada ("Trembling" or "Fear") represents the awe and reverence one must have when approaching Divine service.
Spiritual Progression in the Journey
The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 9) teaches that each encampment symbolizes a stage in spiritual growth. Moving from Har Shefer to Charada illustrates that even after attaining wisdom (symbolized by the mountain's beauty), one must cultivate yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) to internalize Torah properly. The Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:2) emphasizes that true wisdom must be accompanied by reverence for Hashem.
Lessons in Avodat Hashem
Historical Context
The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 33:24) connects this journey to the episode of the spies (Bamidbar 13-14), suggesting that Charada foreshadowed the fear and trembling Bnei Yisrael later experienced due to their lack of faith. This serves as a reminder that spiritual progress requires consistent trust in Hashem.