Dvar Torah for Parshat Bamidbar

When the Jews set up camp during their travels through the desert, they circled around the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Mishkan was a portable, embryonic version of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). One of the functions of each of these structures was to remind the Jewish people that whether the Blessed Creator manifested Himself tenderly or harshly, He was"and is"nonetheless One and the same. The fact that God's exalted presence could be brought into this world and housed, as it were, and that the act of roasting a barnyard animal on a pyre would yield a fragrance to appease God prove that the workings of Creation are beyond human comprehension. (See Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom #40.)

This concept was first taught to us by Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses our teacher) and later by other tzaddikim. It is a lesson we need to frequently review.

When in camping formation, each tribe raised its flag. Each flag was unique in design and color. The purpose of the flags was not merely to make it easier to find one's way home. Raising a flag sends a message of self-promotion: I am special. I am proud to be who I am. I have what to offer and am ready to share it.

The flags of the tribes served a reminder: I am special and so are my brothers. As beautiful as our flags are, as beautiful as each of us is, by sharing the lessons of our teacher our flags - and we - will be all the more beautiful. More importantly, the world's awareness and desire for God will become stronger.

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!