Bamidbar 2021

1“From age twenty and above all that go to the army you shall count them according to their “legions” you and Aaron”. (1:3)

2No half shekel was mentioned. In fact it was a head count “By number of names each male, a head count. “Bemispar shemos kul Zachar Legulgelosum”.(1:2) (actually a skull count). What does the pasuk mean when it says “number of names”, and is that the same or different from a head count? The word for “you shall count” is “Tifkod”. Does it mean something more than just a numerical count? The term “Pakod” also means “appointment”;”And you shall appoint the Levites on the Tabernacle and the vessels and they will service it and camp around it” (Num1:50) It also means “A positive visit”; “and G-d visited Sarah as He had so spoken.” (Gen 21:1). Each and every soldier received a positive visit from either Moshe, Aaron or one of the twelve heads of tribes. Each soldier was called out by name and was designated a specific military function. The Jewish warrior was more than just another number. He was an appointed emissary of the Almighty G-d fulfilling His wishes.

3We stand together with our brothers and sisters in Israel who are in a war for the state of Israel. Each soldier has a name, an appointed function, and is an appointed emissary of G-d and His people. Like the tribes in the desert we stand proud, united around our Torah supported by our values, our compassion. If there is an appetite for peace we will accept it, but if it is going to be war then we are ready.

4Let us pray for the safety of our soldiers. May G-d protect and guide them.

5In Memory of Joel Shulman A’H