This week we start another book in the Torah called “Bamidbar,” meaning “In the wilderness”, which is found in Numbers 1:1.  The Hebrews are journeying from their slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.  They are encamped by Mount Sinai when G-d tells them to conduct a census, a “raising of the head”, of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Initially, the firstborn sons were to serve in the Mishkan (tabernacle) but the Levites were chosen to replace them, since many of the firstborn had participated in the idol worship of the Golden Calf.

Whenever camp was moved, the three Levite clans (the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites) dismantled and transported the Mishkan, and reassembled it at the center of the next encampment. They erected their own tents around the Mishkan on 3 sides while Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons camped on the 4th side (east) in front of the entrance.

Encamped around the inner circle are the rest of the twelve tribes in four groups of three tribes each. To the east were Judah, Issachar and Zebulun; to the south, Reuben, Simeon and Gad; to the west, Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin; and to the north, Dan, Asher and Naphtali. G-d selected a nassi (prince/leader) for each tribe which also had its own flag adorned with a specific color and emblem.

• What is significant about wandering in the wilderness and the placement of the Mishkan in the camp?

• Does this Torah portion have any message for our lives and our Spiritual Journey?

• Come join us and let’s get into it!