8, 2024
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 BneiYisrael 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
ONE BIG IDEA
Why is therea need for Bnei Yisrael tobe 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.
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.
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.
PARSHA STATS DID YOU KNOW…?
Mitzvot…………………………..0 (0 Do’s, 0 Don’ts)
Lines in the Torah..............263 (3rd most)
Pesukim.............................159 (3rd most)
Words................................1823 (13th most)
Letters................................7393 (9th most)
Year(s)................................2449
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
Called someone to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
Went to shul
Participated in Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/ Hamotzi/Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
Wore Shabbat clothing
Helped prepare our home for Shabbat
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
Parshat Bamidbar has NO mitzvot. It is one of 17 parshiot that don’t have any mitzvot. It is the biggest of those parshiot. But don’t worry. We don’t have to wait until next week to read a parsha that has mitzvot. The Torah reading on the first day of Shavuot (Wednesday) has 10 pretty big mitzvot! So, we can spend this Shabbat getting excited for those!
QUESTIONS
1. How many mitzvot are in this week’s parsha?
2. What chag are we celebrating this coming week?
3. Who was supposed to do the work in the Mishkan and why don’t they do it?
4. Why did each shevet have its own unique flag? Aren’t we all part of one nation?
5. Thought question: Why did each shevet have its own place to sit in the desert? Why couldn’t they mix with each other?