Conservative Judaism/Hebrews

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Expert: - 8/25/2007


Question
Rabbi
 When the Hebrews were in the wildderness for 40 years, did
they have animals, that were used as beasts of burden, such
as camels or donkeys?
 It seems that it would be difficult if not impossible, to
dismantle the tabernacle and carry it around for 40 years
with only humans to bear the burden.
                                thanks
                                Bob

Answer
Dear Bob,

Thanks for writing.

During the time that the Israelites or Hebrews were in the desert, the basic domestic animals were small "cattle" meaning most often sheep and goats of both genders, horned cattle, and asses. The camel and the horse were not common in Biblical times.

We have various references to wagons exist in Egyptian literature and probably were used to carrying materials from Egypt. However, the Five Books of Moses are rather specific about the Tabernacle and its elements being carried by hand by Levites and Kohanim.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

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Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

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I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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