This week’s parsha is the first in BaMidbar (Numbers). It details the numbers of each tribe, which I assume is the reason for the given name of Numbers. It then speaks of their encampment around the Mishkan (Sanctuary) and details the numbers of the Tribe of Levi, who weren’t included in the census of the twelve tribes. This was because they were consecrated to serve in the Temple (the Kohanim and the Levi’im were from that same tribe and thus excluded from the general census).
The Midrashim speak about the greatness of the encampments of the Tribes of Israel surrounding the Sanctuary. Each tribe was assigned a specific place (east, south, west, or north) and the importance and responsibility of its position. Each tribe had its own flag with a specific color so that everyone could immediately identify where he belongs. The Shulchan Arukh explains that we always read Bamidbar prior to Shavuot, the Festival of Receiving the Torah. Reb Noson explains that this is because each person radiates his personal goodness from his unique position, but only if we are able to radiate this goodness from within our nation, our community.
Reb Noson (Likutey Halakhot, Netilat Yadayim Li’Seudah 6:46-49) elaborates on this. He mentions that in the center was the Ark (which contained the Tablets), which represent the Torah. Everything, he says, emanates from the Torah; it is the central point of the world, of all of creation. But we, human beings, are all different. It is our mission to recognize the centrality of Torah in our lives, and though we are all in various places, we each have our individual path to walk upon. I may be a product of a western culture, but I must tread upon my path with the Torah. I may have been born in the east or south, but my path to life must be somehow connected to the Torah, which must be central to my thoughts.
In other words, what works for another might not be what works for me. But each of us has a source to draw life and vitality from: the Torah.
The important thing is to find my individual pathway in life and know where I am and what my capabilities are, but never to disconnect from the Torah. This is because the word ToRaH itself translates as a guide (similar to a MoReH, teacher).
The Midrashim extol the beauty of the Jewish nation as each took his specific place surrounding the Ark and embarked on his mission as best he could. This is our mission too. Each of us has to recognize his or her individual place among the Jewish people and contribute what he or she can to the community. Only then can we come to recognize the beauty of each person unto themselves.
Have a great Shabbos.
