VOLUME 116 NUMBER 1
Sivan 3, 5785
May 30, 2025
Parshas Bamidbar
Candlelighting Time 8:02
The two brothers Zevulun and Yisochor and their respective tribes had a very interesting relationship. Yisochor personified the ultimate scholars of Torah. Zevulun were very accomplished merchants and became wealthy. They supported the entire tribe of Yisochor so that they could devote themselves to the study of Torah exclusive of any involvement in worldly matters. They lived a sequestered lifestyle, not responsible for any of their material needs. Therefore, they shared their reward for Torah learning with Zevulun. They were equal partners and Zevulun ‘acquired’ half of the Torah study benefits. While Yisochor was plumbing the depths of Torah knowledge Zevulun was joyful in his pursuit of a livelihood aware of the immense reward he had earned. However, there was a stipulation that was the foundation of this inspiring relationship. Yisochor had to live up to its mission of serious and unadulterated Torah study without interruption or discontinuity.
The Mishkan was the repository of the Torah contained within the confines of the Aron situated in the most sanctified area of the Mishkan. Hashem’s ‘voice’ was transmitted through the expanse between the two angelic figures perched on top of the Aron. Torah was the mainstay fundamental mission of the Mishkan and due to our connection to Hashem through it we were enabled to offer sacrifices that conducted the beneficence and magnanimity of Hashem to this dimension. As a result, Hashem’s presence, the Shechina, was extant throughout our journeys in the desert and served to infuse within us tremendous spirituality and purity.
The tribe of Levi also embodied an entire segment of the Jewish nation that was fully and totally devoted and committed to Torah study and scholarship excellence. They were solely supported by Hashem with the obligatory tithing placed upon the people from their produce. Lack of stability impairs and challenges one’s adeptness to be copiously and absolutely focused on Torah study thereby allowing the Torah scholar to attain eminence and renown. This challenge is illustrated and depicted with the traveling in the desert and transporting the Mishkan with them. The Levites dismantled the Mishkan and then carried certain portions themselves while other parts were transferred with wagons. The language employed by the Torah describing the travels of the nation in the desert is very noteworthy. The Mishkan was not just dismantled it was ‘weakened’ before they traveled and ‘restored’ when they reached their new camp site. Ksav Sofer interprets this to emphasize the importance of steadiness and constancy of immersion in Torah study. The Torah alludes that the Levites and other members of the nation were challenged to maintain an unwavering and ardent schedule to Torah study despite the rigors of traveling in the desert.
This is the task of every Torah scholar that his commitment be steadfast and resolute to remain connected to his study at the highest level of attentiveness disregarding any deviation from unmitigated and absolute involvement. This was the duty of the tribes of Yisochor and Levi and their ongoing dedication sustained the Mishkan and its omnipresent manifestation in the camp.
Shavuos is only days from showering us with the energy of the giving of the Torah. The emanations of the greatness of Torah reaches us in this dimension at this place in time. We should seize this opportunity with extreme devotion and loyalty thereby meriting an exciting and inspiring Yom Tov.
A BYTE FOR YOM TOV
We accepted at Mt. Sinai to observe the Torah without any hesitation or compunction to first understand clearly what our obligations were. The depth of that submission indicated that we were prepared to fulfill the Torah without regard to any difficulties or challenges that might occur in the future. Therefore, we merited special crowns that displayed the greatness of our nation.
Rav Moshe Sternbuch
GOOD SHABB0S AND GOOD YOM TOV
