Parsha Talk Bemidbar 5785 2025

Parashat B’midbar [Numbers 1:1-4:20] is the first parashah of the Book of Numbers. As befitting a book called Numbers, the parashah is filled with numbers, in particular, the number of men of fighting age in each tribe. An additional feature of the parashah is the tribal names of each of the tribes, which can provide interesting information for those who enjoy studying such things. Censuses, for many, are mind-numbing. We spent the first half of our conversation talking about the social structure revealed by the organization of the Israelite camp. The second half of our conversation was devoted to Shavuot, which begins Sunday evening, June 1. We hope you find something worthwhile for your deeper understanding of the parashah, and for the holiday which the rabbis identify as the Time of the Giving of the Torah.
As the hostage crisis passes 600 days, we continue to be mindful of those still in Gaza, both the living and the dead, and continue to pray fervently that they be speedily returned to their families. We also keep in mind those defending Israel as part of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sa’me’ah.