Bamidbar
Taking a census of the people leads to a unified consensus.
In the wilderness, Moses counts the people. The Levites replace the firstborn in Temple service. The firstborn have to redeem themselves. The three branches of the Levite family conveyed the Tabernacle through the desert. Each of the three Levite families had their specific tasks. The twelve tribes camped and traveled in formation, a grid with four to a side ordered around the Sanctuary in the center. Each of the tribes also had a chief, and heralded a flag bearing their tribal colors and crest.
Playing G-d
A Chassidic story of the disciples of the Maggid of Mezerich, including the Alter Rebbe, discussing how, in their opinions, G-d should run the world.
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The First Creation
The mitzvah of kiddush hachodesh, sanctification of the new month, as “the first mitzvah commanded to the Jewish people.”
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G-d Runs the World
The youngest of the Maggid’s disciples, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, then spoke. “If I were in G-d’s place,” said he, “I would run the world exactly as He does.”
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Bamidbar: Unconditional Love
We need to get beyond the labels and stereotypes that divide, and treat fellow Jews as our own family.
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Bamidbar: The Blessing of Diversity
Like different musical notes in a large composition, each community, group or even individual, contributes his or her unique note.
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Bamidbar: Oil Prices
Ishmael has the power to confront Esau and Jacob with their wealth of oil. The presenting question is: Will the nations behave as is befitting the children of Abraham?
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Bamidbar: After 3316 Years How Far Are We From Sinai?
Parshat Bamidbar: Sinai created an interface bridging heaven & earth, giving us the power to fuse matter & spirit entirely without compromising either or.
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Bamidbar: Whatever
Insecurities are reflected in the use of noncommittal expressions and speaking without conviction can create new insecurities.
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