I confess that I’ve already been busy today with the upcoming weekly portion, Bemidbar. Right at the beginning, all twelve tribes of Israel are listed and discussed in summary.
This refers to the „number of the community of the children of Israel according to their clans, according to their ancestral houses.“ One male head for each tribe. Then, all of them are listed.
It’s very interesting that each individual is referred to as a prince. This is partly in recognition of their achievements and responsibility, but also because Moshe Rabbeinu and Aaron also confirm that there is only one king—and that is Hashem.
All are counted, each and every one. Hence the name Numbers for the Sefer Bemidbar. And special mention is made of those who went out to war. Therefore, in chapter 1, verse 44, it says:
„These are the numbered ones whom Moshe, Aaron, and the princes of Israel numbered.“
The order of the enumeration clarifies and establishes an important hierarchy of importance for all the children of Israel.
Anyone twenty or older could be drafted into the army. However, Levi’im could not be drafted.
For myself, as a Levi, I have never fought for an army going to war in my entire life. It remains so!
Furthermore, it is stipulated that Levi’im are not to be counted and mustered among the children of Israel, and instead they are to be assigned to the „Table of Testimony“ (this refers to the portable Mishkan, since we are in the Sinai Desert), to all its equipment, etc. It is important to recognize that their task is to carry the Table of Testimony and all its equipment. When the Table of Testimony is settled, they assemble it, and a member of the seam is to die. Therefore, it is very important that certain people stay away from the Levi’im to ensure that they can fulfill their task undisturbed. The individual tribes and their various areas around the Mishkan are also addressed.
Finally, I would like to return to the distinction between the camps of Judah and Ephraim and all the other tribes. They are discussed and mentioned in the weekly portion Bemidbar, according to their importance, in a fixed order and in a specified number…
Despite all the distinctions, we must be clear today that the diversity of Jewish life and belonging is therefore G-d-willed and must be respected.
Shavua Tov!
Words and Passion 