June 8, 2024 · תשפ״ד ב' סיון
Parashat Bamidbar · פרשת
במדבר
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA Parshat Bamidbar begins with the counting of Bnei Yisrael. A little more than one year after leaving Mitzrayim, on Rosh Chodesh Iyar, Hashem tells Moshe to count all of the men between ages 20 to 60. Each male came before him, Aharon, and the prince of the shevet and donated a half-shekel coin. Moshe then counted all of the coins and the amount was more than 600,000. Based on this number, one can assume that the total number of Bnei Yisrael was three million.
had its own color and picture. Their colors were based on each shevet’s stone from the Kohen Gadol’s Choshen (chestplate). Their picture on the flag was based on the unique bracha they received from Yaakov Avinu. The Mishkan was in the center of the camp and it was surrounded by Shevet Levi. The Leviim were appointed to do all work in the Mishkan. This included singing and guarding it while Bnei Yisrael were camping, and transporting it while Bnei Yisrael traveled.
The parsha continues discussing how Bnei Yisrael camped while traveling in the desert. Each shevet had a specific spot as well as a unique flag. Every flag
Shevet Levi consisted of three different families: Gershon, Kehat, and Merari. Each of the families encamped with three of the shvatim. The family of Kehat, were the ones with the privilege of carrying the extra holy parts of the Mishkan: the Aron, Menorah and Shulchan.
ONE BIG IDEA
The Bechorim (first born males) were originally the ones given the responsibility of service in the Mishkan and later in the Beit Hamikdash. Sadly, since they participated in the Cheyt Ha’egel (Sin of the Golden Calf), they were punished and were no longer allowed to perform this privilege. Shevet Levi, the only shevet not to participate in the Cheyt Haegel, was rewarded with doing all the work in the Mishkan.
Why is there a need for Bnei Yisrael to be split up into different Shvatim, each with a unique flag with different colors and pictures? We are Am Echad (one people) who believe in the same Hashem and follow the same Torah! Perhaps Hashem is teaching us that yes, we are one, and we are our best when we each serve Hashem in our own unique way. This is similar to an orchestra: the brass, woodwind, percussion, and string sections combine to make a beautiful music.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 8:07pm Havdalah: 9:10pm