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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
A number of opinions are offered as to why this counting was held. One idea is that Am Yisrael had just heard the Tochacha in Parshat B’Chukotai, the terrible calamities that could come upon us if we sinned. We needed some assurance that Hashem still loved us, that we "still counted."
Furthermore, according to G-d’s original plan, we should have entered Eretz Yisrael immediately after Sefer Vayikra. After all, we had left Egypt, become a nation, received the Torah, built the Mishkan, & set in motion the system of offerings led by the Kohanim. What was left other than to begin our national life in our national home?
But alas, it was not to be. We would end up wandering "Bamidbar," – in the desert, for 40 years. So we needed some reassurance that G-d was not abandoning us. And by counting us, Hashem sends the message that we are all precious. No one is counted twice, however important he may be; & even the simplest person is counted once. The census conveys the concept that we may sin, but the Almighty never gives up on us.
A similar message emanates from Lag B’Omer. Isn’t it strange that we celebrate this day with such raucous joy; singing, dancing, holding weddings? After all, what actually happened here? The students of Rabbi Akiva stopped dying. That may be a positive event, but it left in its wake 24,000 dead Talmidei Chachamim! So where is the joy?
Rav M. D. Tendler suggests that what we are really rejoicing over on Lag B’Omer is the fact that Torah life was not snuffed out by this terrible tragedy. Rabbi Akiva somehow found the strength to raise up a whole new generation of Torah leaders, led by prize pupil Rav Shimon bar Yochai, who would carry the torch into the future & keep the lamp of learning lit.
The message which shines through all of this: Never give up hope. As tough as times may be, we are a resourceful, resurgent People always given the chance by G-d to start over. And so it is fitting that parshat Bamidbar is always read shortly before Shavuot, a reminder that our destiny – never to be denied – is that we will ultimately all meet Ish Echad B’Lev Echad, as 1 person with 1 heart, on Har Sinai.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
