[Avodah] Then Be Consistent

[Jay F. Shachter]

> 
> The Dikdukian: B_MIDBAR
> 
> Posted: 20 May 2020 08:45 PM PDT
> 
> For some time, when I would write my Weekly Shtikle (shameless
> cross-promotion) for this week's parshah, I would write it Bemidbar
> since that is how it is pronounced correctly.  However, one year a
> friend of mine sent me the following convincing argument which I
> have accepted: While you are correct that in context the word is
> read Bemidbar, the name of the parsha is clearly Bamidbar.  The
> custom has been to isolate the word or words that are the title and
> conjugate accordingly.  This is why we have Tazriyah and not
> Sazriyah.  Mishpatim and not HaMishpatim (since we do not use
> v'aileh and clarify it with asher ...).  Devarim and not HaDevarim.
> Since the reference is to a specific desert (Sinai) the hay
> hayediyah is implemented.  The names, according to tradition, are
> clearly not just the word or words of the beginning phrase.
>

Then be consistent.  Say Sefer Sheimoth, Sefer Mshalim, and Parashath
Axarei HaMavveth.

But you don't say any of those things, do you?

                        Jay F. ("Yaakov") Shachter
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