YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
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.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.