The entire Jewish nation was plunged into mourning when they learned of the passing of Moshe Rebbeinu, the larger-than-life prophet who led them for the past 40 years.
Rabbi Rabbeinu, who passed away on his 120th birthday, was born in Egypt to Amram, a scholar, and Yocheved, a midwife. He received his early education in the Egyptian Royal Academy but fled for his life after killing a cruel Egyptian taskmaster.
After marrying Tzipporah, daughter of Priest Yisro of Midyan, he returned to Egypt, where he, together with his brother Aharon, led several million former slaves to freedom and ultimately the Giving of the Torah.
Despite his humble devotion to his people, his four-decade career was sprinkled with rebellions, complaints and distrust from his nation. In his final months, Moshe retold the major events of recent history and called the people to remain faithful to G-d.
Predeceased by his siblings, Miriam and Aharon, the illustrious rabbi passed away peacefully on Shabbos afternoon. He was survived by his sons, Gershon and Eliezer. A private burial took place at Mount Nevo Cemetery in an undisclosed location in Moav. Shiva is being observed in the family tent in Machaneh Levi’ah.
