Parashat Bamidbar 5784

by Rabbi Margie Cella

Two years after the deliverance from Egypt, the nation is getting ready to leave Mt. Sinai to begin the journey to Canaan. In preparation for the departure, God commands Moses to take a census of the fighting men from age 20 and up, from all the tribes except the Levites, who were appointed to assist the priests in administering the service of the tabernacle. Since they had not participated in the sin of the golden calf, God designated them to take the place of the firstborn. They, too, were counted, though they were separated from the rest of the nation. The Levites were charged with caring for the tabernacle and its furnishings, dismantling, carrying, and reassembling it each time the nation moved to a new place.

In anticipation of the journey, God also gave specific instructions for the formation in which the 12 tribes would travel through the wilderness: 3 each on the east, south, west, and north sides of the camp, with the Levites and the tabernacle in the middle.

This parashah, at first glance, seems to contain a lot of tedious details. But even here there is a message. When the census was taken, a chieftain was appointed from each tribe to record by name every member of his tribe: as each man came forward, he identified himself for the count. In God’s accounting, every individual was known by name—he was not just a number. We must do the same. When you meet someone, ask—and then use—their name. Get to know them. They are as important in God’s eyes as you are. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh — All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.