by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 23, 2015 | Bamidbar
Our portion begins with a series of scenarios, listing what the God-fearing Israelite must do in each case. The first of these is a situation in which a soldier comes across a beautiful captive during war. If he wishes to take her, he must first allow her to mourn her...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 17, 2015 | Bamidbar
Having been counted for redemption purposes, the Levites are now recounted for work, from the age of thirty to fifty. While Gershon and Merari’s responsibilities will be elaborated upon next week, our portion ends with the details of Kehat’s work. The members...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 17, 2015 | Bamidbar
If the other tribes of Israel were counted for military duty, we are now told about the duties of the Levites for which they will also be counted. They are responsible for safeguarding the Tabernacle and its utensils, and making sure none of the rest of the Children...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 17, 2015 | Bamidbar
Bamidbar picks up on the first day of the second month of the second year since the Children of Israel left Egypt. God now instructs Moses to take Aaron and a leader from each tribe and count the people. The census is to account for every male of military age,...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 17, 2015 | Bamidbar, Temple
The portion of Bamidbar is the first in the book of Numbers, and opens it with a census. It has been a year since the people left Egypt, and the Tabernacle is entering its operational stage. The camp needs to be arranged around it. God orders a census of the...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 17, 2015 | Bamidbar
The Torah now outlines the arrangement of the Israelite camp. The Tabernacle has become the central focus of the community, so it is not surprising to hear the camp must be erected around it. God tells Moses not to count the Levites in the census with the rest...
