VOLUME 121 NUMBER 2
Sivan 5, 5786
May 21, 2026
Special Shavuos Edition
Candlelighting Time 7:55
The Talmud states that we read the parsha of Bechukosai before Shavuos in order that the curses and downfalls of the year end before the New Year. Although we don’t view Shavuos as a Rosh Hashanah however, we are judged pertaining to the produce that will be forthcoming at this time of the year. Therefore, the Talmud defines this time of the year as a Rosh Hashanah. Subsequently, we desire to have the new year begin on a solid and stable footing. Additionally, we of course read Bamidbar right before Shavuos. What is the connection between ending the year’s difficulties and beginning with Bamidbar before Shavuos?
Tosafos, one of the earlier commentators on the Talmud explains that although we do want to purge ourselves from the liabilities of the previous year, we don’t want that tone to immediately precede before Shavuos. Therefore, as a kind of buffer or barrier between Bechukosai and Shavuos we arrange to read the parsha of Bamidbar. Even though the reasoning could possibly be accepted it appears a bit shallow and not convincing.
Maharsha, one of the famous commentators on Tosafos adds a very interesting note to explain this in a very profound manner. The parsha of Bamidbar contains a very detailed accounting of the numbers of the nation in the desert. Furthermore, when the nation traveled during their journeys in the desert, there was a very established formation. The twelve tribes were consolidated into four groups of three. The same way they were prearranged when they camped out, so did they travel. And this particular order was orchestrated by Yaakov when they carried his casket from Egypt to bury him in the Land of Israel, he left specific instructions as to how he should be carried forth. That same grouping was the blueprint for the design of how they camped out around the Mishkan. It was apparent that Yaakov understood that this was the best way for the tribes to work in tandem, based upon this symmetry of the four sets.
Reading about this configuration is a preface for our approach to receiving the Torah during this exciting and fundamental Yom Tov, Shavuos. We band together as well, in order to accept the Torah in the proper fashion. Our Sages teach us that if even one person was missing from the scene of Mt. Sinai at the time of the giving of the Torah, the entire manifestation of Hashem’s presence and the conveying of the Torah would not have occurred. That’s how significant even one person is when we must achieve totality to properly receive the Torah. Every individual rates and their entirety creates a nation indissoluble and united by its singular constituents. Therefore, we read the parsha of Bamidbar prior to Shavuos to highlight the significance of our inseparability, perhaps even intimating that the cause of our difficulties hinges upon a lack of solidarity in our nation and that crafts a tremendous buttress between those unfortunate tragedies that befall our nation and glory of the Torah that we can merit when we conduct ourselves in a noble and dignified manner.
Within hours we will enter into that zone of tranquility and grandeur that only Torah and allegiance to its principles can fashion. As our nation experiences the heights of majesty of Torah may it be a source of blessing for our people in the face of adverse complications that antagonize us. And may it be His Will that we will surmount all the obstacles that prevent us from serving Hashem in the greatest possible capacity.
A BYTE FOR YOM TOV AND SHABBOS
Shavuos is such a special Yom Tov. Torah is referred to in the Talmud as a ‘metziah’ an article that one finds on the road. Torah is available for all to study and elevate oneself through immersion in its grandeur and majestic nature. There is a special Divine assistance that one can merit in this auspicious time. We need only to grab the opportunity and utilize our time correctly. SFAS EMES
GOOD YOM TOV AND SHABBOS
