Bamidbar 2013

The book of Bamidbar, which we have just begun, is colloquially referred to as “Numbers.” The translation of the word is obviously off base, as the word bamidbar in Hebrew means “in the desert.” Yet it has taken on the connection with numbers, as the book has a focus on several censuses of the Jewish people.

When we peruse through the many numbers in Bamidbar with a discerning eye, one number is bound to catch our attention. As the tribes of Israel tend to average roughly fifty to seventy thousand per tribe, the tribe of Levi has only a tad over twenty thousand. Furthermore, the count of Levi includes all boys from the age of thirty days and older, while the count of the rest of the camp begins from the age of twenty YEARS and older! Therefore, the numbers of Levi are actually quite small for the demographic of adult males! Why was the tribe of Levi so small in comparison to their brethren?

Ramban explains that the question that is proposed is actually off base. The real question is why the numbers of the rest of the Jewish People are so large?! He explains that the verse in the Torah states that the more that the Egyptians persecuted and abused the slaves, the greater their numbers became. Ironically, the tribes that were involved in the backbreaking labor that was thrust upon them by Pharaoh became extremely populous, in spite of the labor, while the tribe of Levi, that was not enslaved, had a more natural population growth.

This phenomenon highlights the subjectivity of blessing. All too often, we look at others and question why we seem to be limited while others seem to be overwhelmed with abundance. All too often, a change of perspective makes the question melt away. We may not be financially rich compared to some of our peers, but are we really poor? Our children may not live up to every standard that we would hope, but are they really failures? The tribe of Levi was nowhere near the other tribes in terms of numbers, but were they really small? Realistic expectations and the realization of true standards of normalcy will often bring us comfort when confronted with the uncomfortable feelings of jealousy or lack of confidence. As the Mishnah in Avot states, “Who is rich, the one that is happy with his lot.” Happiness doesn’t need to be chased; it just needs to be embraced. May we all merit feeling that embrace throughout our lives.

There are few verses in the Torah that contain such clear reassurance and comfort as the opening words of this week’s Torah portion: “Shelach Lecha Anashim—send for you spies.” Like all good presents, though, to appreciate the contents we must first unwrap the gift. Hashem heard the request of the Jewish People that they wanted to send spies to perform a reconnaissance mission and prepare for the upcoming battles that were about to be waged as the Nation was to conquer the land. They requested spies as an added assurance, with the belief that the extra knowledge would aid them in their battles. Yet Hashem knew that all the effort was for naught, as the battles would be won on a spiritual plane with the hand of G-d in every struggle. The physical preparedness was useless if Hashem did not will their victory. The opposite would hold true as well—that victory would come regardless of their preparation, as this was the will of Hashem. The entire mission was useless, as they were trying to win a physical war in a spiritual reality.

Nevertheless, Hashem allowed the spies to be sent, with the clear understanding that the mission was “for you” and not “for Hashem.” The inference from this verse echoes a Gemara and Midrash that Hashem was clarifying that this entire mission was not His idea and was not being done with His blessing, but that He would allow it and would not interfere. After this understanding of the verse has been explained, one could easily argue that the verse is anything but comforting and reassuring. We see our frailties so clearly. The nation collectively requested that the spies leave, even though this was against the wishes of Hashem, and yet Hashem did not stop them. Wouldn’t we prefer a reality in which Hashem would help us before we hurt ourselves with our inappropriate decisions?

Decision-making is a difficult onus that we all deal with on a daily basis. The Jews in the desert had a difficult decision to make, and the eventual slip-up had disastrous consequences. This reality can cause us today, as well, to freeze when important decisions are upon us. Yet Hashem stated clearly in the Midrash and the Gemara that this was their decision and not His will. If they would have followed His will, using information that was attainable, the decision would not have been so difficult. Only because of their trailblazing decision-making process did they run into distress.

We, as well, are constantly faced with decisions that may not be as difficult as they seem. The answer is right in the Torah, and if we follow the directives that are placed before us, we will be successful. If we veer and decide to make our decisions based on other considerations, our success cannot be guaranteed. May we always merit making the proper decisions and be blessed with the blessings that come hand in hand with following the Torah.

The bookends of the Jews’ sojourning experience through the desert ironically point to a common denominator, that of song. One could argue that the first true freedom that the Jewish People experience followed the Egyptians drowning in the Sea of Reeds, and the overwhelming emotions that followed led to song. Yet a very different type of song is related in this week’s Parsha. The Jews sing praise to Hashem for the water that came from the be’er, the well. At the culmination of forty years in the desert, Miriam passes away and the water from the well ceases to produce water. After the Jews complain to Moshe, water is then restored and returned. At this point, the Jews sing the song of “Ahli Be’er” to Hashem, in appreciation of the water. Ironically, the miracle of the water spewing from a place unattached to a water source was never truly appreciated by the Jewish People. Only after losing this miracle for a short time did the Jewish People recognize the gift that they had enjoyed for the last forty years.

Similarly, although the be’er was always attributed to Miriam, only after she passed away was her presence truly appreciated. It is human nature to overlook the efforts of others. Once their efforts cease, or the person passes away, do we realize how indebted and grateful we should have always been for all that they had done. A proper eulogy is certainly appropriate to recognize one’s achievements and sacrifices, but a face to face thank you when they are alive is a thank you that they can experience and appreciate as well.

In our Shul, we have numerous volunteers who do so much behind the scenes and make sure that our needs are tended to. Gabbaim, Torah readers, Chazzanim, regular Minyan-goers, Board members, the Candy Man, those that prepare Kiddush and Seudah Shelsihit, the clean-up crew, the Chulent crew, those that maintain the Shul’s finances or prepare the newsletter, the Youth Director and the youth group leaders, the Teen Coordinator, and so many others—they can easily be taken for granted. Pull away any of the above-mentioned pieces and everyone would notice the gaping hole left in their place.

Taking a moment every so often to thank someone for his or her ongoing efforts is a great way to show our appreciation and to let them know that their efforts are noticed. It also transforms us all into grateful people, a trait that has immeasurable gains for the individual and those around them. So go out and find someone to thank—you won’t regret it!