Bamidbar 5786 – The Book of Numbers

Sefer Bamidbar is referred to by Chazal in various Gemaras as “Chumash HaPekudim,” the Book of Numbers. Rashi explains this as a reference to the two censuses performed in this Chumash—one in this week’s parsha and the second in Parshas Pinchas.

Counting the Jewish people is a recurring theme throughout the Torah. Rashi explains that this is an expression of Hashem’s love for His people. The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 428:4) states that Parshas Bamidbar should always be read before Shavuos.

Ostensibly, this is due to a technicality. Tosafos in Megillah 31b explains that we do not want the curses of Bechukosai to be read immediately before the Day of Judgment for fruit, namely Shavuos. The Levush explains that we do not want to “open the mouth of the Satan” for potential accusations by mentioning curses in such close proximity. Parshas Bamidbar provides a gap of at least a week, allowing things to settle.

Rav Moshe Feinstein explains that there is an additional message. In any census, all people are counted equally. No one is counted twice or given a higher value, as that would defeat the purpose of the exercise. This serves as a mindset going into Shavuos: when it comes to receiving the Torah, everyone must approach it with a strong sense of self-worth and readiness to engage with the Divine teachings and responsibilities.

When it comes to taxes, not every number is treated as significant. Accountants often dismiss discrepancies as immaterial or not worth the effort. In Judaism, however, it is never that way. Every individual has infinite value and deserves to be counted—and only then are they truly worthy of receiving the Torah.

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Good Shabbos.