Parshas Bamidbar (Erev Shavuos) 5761

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Parshas Bamidbar (Erev Shavuos) 5761

In this week’s sedra we have the designation of the formation of Klal Yisroel for their travels.  Anything at all that the Chumash mentions has tremendous significance but especially when the Torah itself places emphasis on it.  Additional significance can be reinforced by the Medrash which relates that the formation was a reflection of the order of the Shvatim that Yaakov Avinu requested when carrying his ‘aron’ to its resting place in Eretz Yisroel.

This brings us to contemplate into the significance of the four directions that Klal Yisroel was ordered to form themselves while traveling in the ‘midbar’; and the significance of the sequence of how it was presented—east, south, west and then north.

What was the significance of the various Shvatim that were designated to each direction; east-Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun—south—Reuven, Shimon and Gad etc.?  What was the significance of the main shevet that was chosen for each direction;  Yehuda—east—Reuven—south etc.?

The Medrash (2:10) gives some beautiful insights, however, the interpretation is still open to our own thoughts—“dig in” and I’m sure you will come up with some beautiful ideas.

Our Yom Tov of Shavuos is coming up and I would like to share the following ‘kabalas haTorah’ related thought on the degalim.  The Medrash in Shmos relates that when Paroh observed Bnei Yisroel marching in its formation, he suddenly had a tremendous insight to the specific outstanding traits that each possessed.  This Chazal gives us a hint that the formation represented various character traits, attributes and talents they possessed.  This formation says that the Torah recognizes and respects all the personality and character traits of the individual and has a place for it in the service of HaShem.

One of the greatest marvels of the Torah is that despite that it is made up of regimentation and strict unmovable, inflexible doctrines; yet Hashem with His infinite wisdom structured the Torah to have room and flexibility for each individual to find himself and exercise his creativity and his personality nuances.  Every neshama can find its personal sense of purpose and utmost feeling of accomplishment in the Torah.

This brings us to a new insight to the offer that HaShem made to all the nations of the world and their refusal.  After hearing the demands of the Torah each nation felt that the Torah did not have the flexibility to “fit in” and cater to its national characteristics.  They felt that the Torah is too rigid.  Bnei Yisroel, too, have their national traits, and so too, each shevet, and individual, yet they shouted and exclaimed “Naaseh V’nishma” .  Hashem, after all, is our Creator, and made our traits, and surely knows our traits.  We have full respect, trust, confidence and loyalty to except without any inquiries and reservations all His commandments.

A wonderful Shabbos and Yom Tov to you all.