May 31, 2025 · ד' סיון תשפ״ה
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. 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 had
ONE BIG IDEA Why does Hashem tell Moshe to count Bnei Yisrael? He already knows how many people there are! Rashi teaches that Hashem counts us because He loves us— just like a person who keeps counting something they care about, like their favorite coins or toys, to make sure they are all safe and in the right place. Hashem is showing us that every single Jew matters. We’re not just a big group—we are individuals, and each one of us is important to Hashem.
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. 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. 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.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 8:01pm Havdalah: 9:03pm allah: 5:25pm