Introduction to Bemidbar

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1. The Nation and the Shekhina in the Wilderness

   Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

   The Book of Numbers can be divided in a number of ways: based on the years during which events take place (second year/fortieth year); based on the actions of Bnei Yisrael (preparations for the journey/The journey through the desert); and based on the spiritual status of the nation (ideal/sins and complaints/return to the original ideal state). The initial narratives demonstrate that the camp is a Chariot for the divine presence on earth - an integration of the divine ideal in the human reality.

2. Parashat Bamidbar: Not Just Numbers

   Rabbi Yair Kahn

   Even a superficial glance at Parashat Bamidbar reveals a basic difficulty. The counting and recounting of the people seems superfluous and trivial. The Torah, which at times is so exacting regarding the use of words, is quite expansive and generous with respect to the census of Israel. Not only do we note surprising detail, but puzzling repetition as well. This presents a number of basic questions. How is this parasha relevant to us? Why was it included in the Torah, whose message is eternal? In short, what is the Torah trying to tell us by recording these statistics? 

   Furthermore, the census at the beginning of Bamidbar is not the only one found in the sefer. The people are counted once again in detail in Parashat Pinchas. (We also find elaborate statistics of the spoils won in the war with Midyan in Parashat Matot). Therefore, the title awarded to this sefer by Chazal, "Chumash Ha-pekudim," may reflect a deeper understanding of the essence of the sefer. If we succeed in discovering the significance of the census, it will help us not only gain a greater appreciation of Parashat Bamidbar, but a more profound insight into the entire section of the Torah known as "Chumash Ha-pekudim."

3. Parashat Bamidbar: Not Just Numbers (Audio)

   Rabbi Yair Kahn | 11 minutes

   Even a superficial glance at Parashat Bamidbar reveals a basic difficulty. The counting and recounting of the people seems superfluous and trivial. The Torah, which at times is so exacting regarding the use of words, is quite expansive and generous with respect to the census of Israel. Not only do we note surprising detail, but puzzling repetition as well. This presents a number of basic questions. How is this parasha relevant to us? Why was it included in the Torah, whose message is eternal? In short, what is the Torah trying to tell us by recording these statistics? 

   Furthermore, the census at the beginning of Bamidbar is not the only one found in the sefer. The people are counted once again in detail in Parashat Pinchas. (We also find elaborate statistics of the spoils won in the war with Midyan in Parashat Matot). Therefore, the title awarded to this sefer by Chazal, "Chumash Ha-pekudim," may reflect a deeper understanding of the essence of the sefer. If we succeed in discovering the significance of the census, it will help us not only gain a greater appreciation of Parashat Bamidbar, but a more profound insight into the entire section of the Torah known as "Chumash Ha-pekudim."

4. The Structure of Sefer Bemidbar

   HaTanakh.com Staff

5. Parshat Bemidbar Part 1: Introduction to Sefer Bemidbar

   Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 25 minutes

   This podcast introduces Sefer Bemidbar by noting its content, structure and context. We also highlight the differences between Bemidbar and Vayikra, and discusses the order of the tribes, the dates in the book, and the goal of a census.

    

   Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com

6. Sefer Bemidbar: Overview and Meaning

   Nachliel Selavan | 47 minutes

   Sefer Study Bemidbar: Overview and Meaning - Rabbi Dr. Elie Assis

   This the fourth episode of Tanach study's five episode course studying of an overview and the meaning of the five books of Torah (Pentateuch). In this episode Rabbi Dr. Elie Assis uncovers the main themes of Sefer Bemidbar and demonstrates how it ties the book together.