A two-pronged talmudic plan to ease anxiety. In the context of the Israelites waiting for the manna in the wilderness. Also, when Bnei Yisrael complained about the wildness, and yearn for the “fish” that they had “for free” in Egypt, is that a literal or metaphorical complaint? If metaphorical, the analog is sexual promiscuity, which raises questions about the presumed behavior of Bnei Yisrael in Egypt… (were they actually promiscuous? did they actually have free fish, as slaves?) More importantly, the Gemara follows both of these approaches through all of the different texts, how each approach makes use of the verses that support itself, and also those that are used to support the other view. Plus, the use of the manna to resolve civil and marital disputes. Plus, how the dew preceded and then covered this flaky substance that may we’ll have been the manna. And finally, an interpretation of the “bread of the mighty” that gets Rabbi Akiva a rebuke from R. Yishmael. And, finally, a comment on the quail.
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