בס״ד SIVAN 5778 I SHABBAT BEGINS -20:36- YOM TOV ENDS 22:01 5 BAMIDBAR THE COMMUNITY Parasha Sheet To receive this via email or for sponsorship opportunities please email us [email protected] www.torahactionlife.com

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RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL Which is it - was the census concerned with the overall numbers (the “Klal”) or was the census > SHAVUOT TIMES interested in the individual names (the “P’rat”)? SHABBAT BEGINS 20:36 DIRECTOR FIRST DAY YOM TOV 21:57 SECOND DAY YOM TOV 21:59 TAL Have you ever been in a synagogue searching for a YOM TOV ENDS 22:01 Minyan? When people arrive in the synagogue the Shliach Tsibur has to wait till there are ten men. The Halacha is that he may not count these people THE WEEKLY QUOTE directly. “Once you let go of negative Rav Mordechai Gifter zt’l, explains that numbers people, positive ones appear.” UNITY IN NUMBERS! by their very definition are finite. Stating a number, one quantifies an item such that the quantity is > UPCOMING EVENTS What does a number mean to you? Technically a no more and no less than the number stated. A • SHAVUOT PROGRAM number is a mathematical object used to count human being, by his very definition, is not finite 19th May (More info check online) and measure. Yet we use numbers to represent in this sense. He has a soul and strengths, and important times in our lives, to role dice in a game characteristics. He has unlimited potential to grow • FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT th or even play a lucky lottery. This week we enter and expand his capabilities. Trying to put a number 10 June 2018 (More info check online) the fourth book of the Torah Bamidbar. Our Sages on an individual limits him and restricts his ability • FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER ST JONHS WOOD know this book as Sefer Hapikudim – the book of to reach untold heights. Therefore, when we speak 15th June 2018 (More info check online) Numbers. of a “Minyan” we are not speaking of a “mispar” [a number]. We cannot just “count” Jews. When On first thought we understand the book is so we enumerate people and treat them as numbers called after the beginning of our Parsha which we in effect say they are defined and limited. This deals with a population census that is taken of the is certainly not the way Hashem wants us to view Jewish people at the time. the Jewish people. DVAR TORAH P1 Yet when we think of it, why is a whole book named Unity in Numbers! Thus when there is a census of the people, the aim after such a one off event? Wouldn’t it have been RABBI JONATHAN TAWIL is to work out the number, but they are not counted better for our sages to keep the name as the book by numbers, rather they are counted through of Bamidbar, especially seeing as most of the DVAR TORAH P2 names. Each name represents an individuality, an book deals with occurrences in the wilderness? Our Individual Mission unlocked potential – each person has a separate RABBI YEHONATHAN SALEM Furthermore on inspection the Torah states: “Take task in life. The end number is the sum of all the a census…..according to their fathers’ house, BY physical bodies, but it in no way measures the NUMBER OF THE NAMES, every male according to awesome infinite power of all their souls. OUR CHACHAMIM P3 their head count.” (Bamidbar 1:2). RABBI ABBA Getting the Jewish people to unite nowadays isn’t The expression “Bmispar Sheimot” [by number easy. of the names] seems contradictory. What does HALACHOT P3 But lets think about it 3323 years ago, when the it really mean? The term “number” and “names” Touching Food... In the morning Jews left Egypt. How easy was it for them to unite? RABBI ELI MANSOUR are almost mutually exclusive. When we talk about numbers we imply anonymity. The word “names” The Midrash states that when the time was right has the exact opposite connotation. A name gives to leave Egypt Hashem gathered the Jews from all Kid’s Q&A AND UPCOMING EVENTS P4 a person singularity and a quality of being special over Egypt. They all set out and followed Moshe Time - more than just a number! into the wilderness.  This newsletter contains Divrei Torah and may contain Sheimot - Please dispose of accordingly

1 Imagine, a people that had been scattered Similarly we find in this weeks Parsha. Moshe was same time, how we value the whole nation as a across a vast land, there were no technological worried. Each tribe had a different flag, each tribe united entity. It is only through unity that we can communications, and yet they all went following had a different Avoda (work) set out for them. have the Mishkan and Hashem’s presence within one leader into the wilderness. How would they all be able to integrate? Perhaps us. The census at the end refers, a generation Forty nine days later they stood at Har Sinai – some of the tribes would complain about their flag and they encamped united - KeIsh Echad Belev and tasks? later, to a newborn nation, about to enter Israel. Echad. Millions of people, a whole nation, and Rav explained that Hashem The message being sent to them is clear. To within 49 days they had achieved unity! reassured Moshe, and told him so long as they inherit the land of Israel, there must be unity. A What is the secret to this unity? are encamped around the Mishkan all will work count of the people is taken, each exists on their well. So long as we are unified in our ideology, Chazal explain that Moshe had already told them individual level, yet each must know the centre we understand the important things in life and set that the whole purpose of Yetsiat Mitsrayim was piece must be Holiness. these as the centre of our attention – the Holy Taavdun…Al Hahar Hazeh – receiving the Torah. The people had a goal, they were excited and had Presence of Hashem – then we will be successful. Am Yisrael are a successful nation when we are a goal to work towards. They united behind this The Netsiv explains that book of Numbers, is so united. goal, and worked on themselves for 49 days each called, because it begins with a census and ends day improving their characters and unity, until with a census. The census at the beginning refers Let us focus on our heritage, focus on our they were able to completely unite to receive the to a census shortly after leaving Egypt. A nation individual goals and unite in His service to merit Torah. that had received the Torah, built the Mishkan the coming of Mashiach Bimhera Byamenu Amen. The Torah could only be received by a united and was ready to start their voyage. It was a show people! of how we value each Jew individually, yet at the ■ Shabbat Shalom

RABBI YEHONATAN SALEM - SHALOM LAAM DIASPORA were basking in His divine presence. Yet, for happy, relaxed or calm. On the other hand, DVAR these souls to derive such enjoyment without there are moments when we feel overwhelmed, having first earned it, causes them much challenged, sad or empty. TORAH embarrassment. Hence, G-d created this physical world and enabled souls to descend We should try to understand our individual into it, encased in a body of flesh, to be given duty in this world, to define our goal clearly the chance to earn their reward by choosing and not to lose sight of it. By doing so, we will to do His will, i.e. the mitzvot of the Torah. be able to channel even our most challenging OUR INDIVIDUAL MISSION By exerting effort in their adherence to the moments into being part of a purposeful and mitzvot, they earn eternal reward which they This week, as we start the book of Bamidbar, fulfilling existence, as we steer away from will receive when their souls become detached the Torah begins by enumerating the Jewish wrongdoing and remain on our defined paths. from their earthly bodies and return to their People who were in the Sinai desert. This is maker. The underlying message of the book of to symbolize that every Jew, without exception, has a unique and intrinsic value, and is not However, since each soul is unique in its Bamidbar is that life has its challenges and just a number or a stereotype. His importance spiritual characteristics, each one has a its “ups and downs”, as we journey through is such that for him alone the entire Creation specific goal and mission, which it must fulfil our phase of life in this world. Recently, my is justified. At the time of Creation, G-d made in order to attain its perfection. Accordingly, grandmother described the events of her many of each species, but of man He only each person is created with a different childhood to me. She was orphaned at a very created one, from whom the whole world combination of physical characteristics, young age from both her parents, witnessed was to be populated. This demonstrated strengths and attributes, to enable him to “Kristallnacht, “and escaped with her life from the uniqueness of each person, and for this fulfil his given spiritual mission for which he the hands of the Nazis. Today she derives reason our Sages taught us the importance of has descended to this world. Additionally, much pride from all her offspring. sustaining and saving any individual person. every person has a different, tailor-made route through which he must pass during What is it that makes each and every one of Let us keep our heads “above water” and his earthly stay, in order for him to reach his us is so important that our individual existence remember that all that we are going through own perfection. For this reason, everyone justifies the Creation? is for our ultimate good, to gain our earned has different trials and tribulations, “ups and reward in the world to come. ■ Before the world was created, G-d had created downs” that he must overcome. We all have myriads of souls in His “store house”, which moments in our lives when we feel content, Shabbat shalom and Chag Sameach

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OUR CHACHAMIM HALACHOT RABBI ELI MANSOUR RABBI ABBA Rabbi Abba was among the great Amoraim. He was the to praying that his Torah views be accepted by his TOUCHING FOOD BEFORE WASHING ONE’S student of Shemuel, and though he learned from the colleagues. Among the Sages who had particularly great Babylonian Rabbanim, he often traveled to Eretz great respect for Shabbat, Rabbi Abba is mentioned HANDS IN THE MORNING Israel to learn Torah from its Rabbanim. favorably. He had the habit of purchasing 13 selaim Maran writes in Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 4) that one of meat in honor of Shabbat, and pressed his servant The Gemara recounts that Rabbi Abba traveled to Eretz to prepare everything in the best possible way. Rabbi must ensure not to touch a vat of beer in the morning Israel by sea, and when his boat arrived by the shores Abba apparently had many guests on Shabbat, and he before washing Netilat Yadayim, as doing so could of Akko, he embraced the earth. He had the merit of wanted to honor them with the finest tasting meals. He cause one to lose the beer. The Mishna Berura (Rav seeing Rabbi Yochanan, who headed the great yeshiva lived an exceedingly long time, and in his latter years , 1839-1933) explains that since of Tiberias and was extremely old at the time. He also he was considered as a leading Halachic authority in there is Tum’a (impurity) on one’s hands when he saw Resh Lakish (who died before Rabbi Yochanan). We also see just how much he loved Eretz Israel from Eretz Israel. He shared this distinction with Rav Ami, wakes up in the morning, touching food can cause it a story found in the Gemara. Rabbi Abba purchased a who was , while Rabbi Abba himself was to become Tameh, which can have detrimental effects. plot of land in Eretz Israel, then returned to Babylon. the Av Beit Din. One must therefore avoid touching food before washing However, what he didn’t know was that another Amora, Rav Ami was named Rosh Yeshiva after the death of his hands in the morning. by the name of Rav Gidel, had previously begun Rabbi Eliezer ben Pedat, who continued the academy negotiations to purchase that same plot of land. Rav of Rabbi Yochanan and Rabbi Shimon ben Eliakim. The Halachic authorities write that if one did touch food Gidel went and complained about Rabbi Abba to Rav When Rav Ami moved the yeshiva to Cesarea, Rabbi before washing his hands in the morning, he should put Zeira, who in turn told Rabbi Yitzchak bar Napacha Abba also joined him there. Rav Papa and Rav Ami it under water three times, and then it may be eaten. of the incident (the latter were old friends of Rabbi called Rabbi Abba, “Our father of Eretz Israel.” This applies even to vegetables that one normally peels, Abba, and all three of them were among those who had like cucumbers. Despite the fact that one touched The teachings of Rabbi Abba in Halachah and Aggadah come to Eretz Israel from Babylon). Rabbi Yitzchak bar only the peel, which in any event will be removed, the are found throughout the Babylonian and Napacha said, “Wait until he returns for the holidays,” vegetable must be rinsed three times before it is eaten. meaning that they should wait until he comes back Talmuds, as well as in the Midrashim. One of his famous parables, by which he explained what occurred from Babylon to verify the story with him. Some writers raised the question of why this method of between Ahasuerus and Haman, is cited in Megillah When Rabbi Abba came back, his friends asked him 14: “To what can the story of Ahasuerus and Haman eliminating Tum’a does not work in the case of garlic that what was the law concerning “a poor man who awaits be compared? To two men, one who had a mound in was left without its peel overnight. The garlic in this case his portion, but then another comes and takes it.” In his field, and the other who had a pit in his. The latter should not be eaten, as it contracts Tum’a overnight, other words, what was the law concerning a person thought, ‘Who could sell me a mound?’ while the other and the Poskim do not offer the solution of rinsing the who acts maliciously with the poor, trying to seize what thought, ‘Who could sell me a pit?’ After a certain time, garlic the three times. The work Arsot Haim explains awaits him before he has time to take possession of they encountered each other. The one who had a pit that one cannot compare different forms of Tum’a and it? Rabbi Abba responded that such a person was a said to the one who had a mound, ‘Sell me your mound,’ evil spirits. A method that is effective for eliminating one wicked man. And when he was asked why he himself to which the other replied, ‘Take it for free! You’re doing kind of Tum’a is not necessarily effective with regard acted in this way concerning the land of Rav Gidel, me a favor.’ This is what happened when Ahasuerus said he replied that he was not aware that Rav Gidel had to a different kind, and thus although a food that has to Haman, ‘The silver is given to you, the people also, to been touched before Netilat Yadayim may be rinsed wanted to purchase it. do with as you see fit’ [Esther 3:11].” and eaten, this solution cannot be used in the case of Rav Yitzchak bar Napacha therefore decided that he To show just how catastrophic honor-seeking is, garlic that had been left overnight without its peel. should give up the plot of land for Rav Gidel’s benefit. Gemara Sanhedrin cites the explanation of Rabbi Abba Rabba Abba replied that he didn’t want to sell the plot on the verse that states, “After this, Jeroboam did not The Mishna Berura writes that one should also refrain of land, for it was his first purchase in Eretz Israel, repent from his evil way” (I Kings 13:33). The Gemara from smelling tobacco snuff before washing Netilat hence it didn’t bode well to sell it. Rather, he said that asks about the meaning of “After this,” to which Rabbi Yadayim in the morning, for two reasons: 1) he causes he was ready to give it to Rav Gidel as a gift. Abba explains: “After the Holy One, blessed be He, the snuff to become Tameh by touching it; 2) smelling For his part, Rav Gidel didn’t want the land as a gift grabbed hold of Jeroboam by his cloak and said to snuff involves touching the nostril, and it is forbidden because of the principle that “one who hates gifts will him, ‘Repent, and I, you, and the son of Jesse will to touch the openings of one’s body before washing live” (Proverbs 15:27). The Gemara concludes the story walk in Gan Eden,’ Jeroboam replied, ‘Who will be in Netilat Yadayim. by saying that neither of them wanted to use the land charge?’ to which the answer was ‘the son of Jesse will in question, and so it was abandoned. This plot of land be.’ Jeroboam then responded by saying, ‘In that case, Summary: One should ensure not to touch any food or came to be known as “the land of the Rabbis” (see I want nothing of it!’ ” drink before washing his hands in the morning. If he did Kiddushin 59a for details). Rabbi Abba died at a great old age, apparently in Eretz touch food before washing his hands, he should wash Rabbi Abba lived temperately and was accustomed Israel. ■ it three times and it may then be eaten. ■

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➊ Why were the Jewish People counted so frequently? e ➋ What documents did the people bring when they were counted? m ➌ Kids Ti What determined the color of the tribal flags? ➍ What is the difference between an “ot” and a “degel”?

➎ How do we see that the Jews in the time of Moshe observed “techum Shabbat” -- the prohibition against traveling more than

2000 amot on Shabbat?

the Ohel Mo’ed on Shabbat. on Mo’ed Ohel the

Answer to go to them for forbidden been have would it farther, camped they Had Mo’ed.

2:2 - Hashem commanded them to camp no more than 2000 amot from the Ohel Ohel the from amot 2000 than more no camp to them commanded Hashem - 2:2 flagpole. a ➎ ➎

2:2 - An “ot” is a flag, i.e., a colored cloth that hangs from a flagpole. A degel is is degel A flagpole. a from hangs that cloth colored a i.e., flag, a is “ot” An - 2:2 gadol. kohen ➍ ➍

2:2 - Each tribe’s flag was the color of that tribe’s stone in the breastplate of the the of breastplate the in stone tribe’s that of color the was flag tribe’s Each - 2:2 lineage. tribal ➌

1:18 - They brought birth records proving their their proving records birth brought They - 1:18 Hashem. to dear very are They - 1:1 ➋ ➋ ➊

STORY THE CENTER That model looks really neat, Chaim. What is it? of the Garden of Eden. This is all a beautiful It is a model of the camp of the Jewish people parable to the Torah, which is our "Tree of Life". during the years in the desert, Avi. The twelve The human body is also part of the parable. The tribes are camped around the outside. Inside is life force flows from the heart. Therefore, it is in the camp of the Kohanim and Leviim. the center of the body. It pumps the blood, which What is that in the center? carries this life force to all parts of the body, and That is the Mishkan (Tabernacle). they all receive their energy from it. So you see, What is inside of the Mishkan? when G-d designs something, He puts its energy Many things. The holiest part is the Kodesh source in the center. Kodoshim (Holy of Holies). The Torah must be the energy source for the What is inside of the Kodesh Kodoshim? Jewish people. The Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark). Right again, Avi. The Torah is the generator of Do you mind if I ask you one more question the spiritual energy that keeps us alive. In the Chaim? last blessing of the Amidah prayer, the Torah is Not at all, Avi. referred to as "Toras Chaim", the Torah of life. What is inside of the Aron Kodesh? We had better get busy, Chaim. That's a good question, Avi. Inside of the Aron Doing what? Kodesh is the Sefer Torah. If G-d Himself put the Torah in the center of the Why is that such a good question Chaim? camp, then we must surely put it in the center Because, now you have come to the center. The of our lives. Sefer Torah is in the innermost part of the camp. In what way, Avi? It is inside the Aron Kodesh, which is inside the The Torah is called our Torah of life because it Kodesh Kodoshim, which is inside the Mishkan, guides us how to live our lives. Everything that we which is inside the camp of the Kohanim and do should revolve around it. The halacha (Torah Leviim, which is inside of the camp of the twelve Law) guides us in all areas. It tells us how to tribes. eat, how to speak, how to conduct our business I see why my question was good. G-d does not matters, and how to treat our family, friends, do anything haphazardly. He instructed the Jewish and neighbors. Whenever we think about doing people to set up the camp in this specific way. The something, our first question must be, "How center of the camp is the focal point and usually should this be done according to Torah?" There contains something or someone very important. is a right and a wrong way to do everything. The Exactly, Avi. Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, who is Torah tells us the right way. known to us as the Chofetz Chaim, explains why I have another parable, Avi. When you put the the Sefer Torah was in the center. In our shuls Torah at the center, then everything spins around nowadays, the Sefer Torah is read on the "bimah" nice, smooth and balanced like a dreidel on a table in the center of the shul. Similarly, the Eitz Chanukah. We should all put our "Torah dreidel" HaChaim (Tree of Life) was planted in the center down and "spin to win".