Matot | When Did Bnei Yisrael Learn of Moshe's Fate?

Matot | "Do Not Bring Us Across the Jordan" - When Did Bnei Yisrael Learn of Moshe's Fate? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Examining several of the interactions between Bnei Yisrael and Moshe after the decree (Bamidbar 20) that he was not to lead them into the Land gives us the impression that Bnei Yisrael were unaware of that Divine fiat - which leads us to inquire: When did Bnei Yisrael learn that their leader, who had led them out of Egypt and through the desert, brought them to Sinai and was the focal point of revelation - would not lead or even accompany them across the Jordan. We explore several key passages in Sefer Devarim and propose a surprising answer which allows for an even more surprising possibility as to the immutability of that Divine punishment. Given in memory of Rav Etshalom's father הרב אשר אהרן בן אברהם בנימין ז"ל Source sheet >>