Numbers (במדבר)

Parashiot in Numbers (במדבר)

Bamidbar (במדבר)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 1:1 - 4:20

Parashat Bamidbar, the first portion of Sefer Bamidbar, opens with Hashem commanding Moshe to conduct a census of Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness, counting men aged 20 and older eligible for military service. The tribes are arranged around the Mishkan in a precise formation, with the Levi'im encircling it to guard its sanctity. The parasha details the unique role of the Levi'im, who replace the firstborns in serving the Mishkan after their sanctification following the sin of the golden calf. The orderly structure emphasizes the importance of unity, hierarchy, and divine service in preparing Bnei Yisrael for their journey toward Eretz Yisrael.

Naso (נשא)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 4:21 - 7:89

Parashat Naso, the longest in the Torah, covers several key themes. It begins with the completion of the census of the Levites and their assigned duties in transporting the Mishkan. The parasha then details the laws of the sotah (a woman suspected of adultery), emphasizing the gravity of marital fidelity and the sanctity of the family. It introduces the nazirite vow, highlighting the spiritual discipline of abstaining from wine, haircuts, and contact with the dead. The portion concludes with the elaborate offerings brought by each tribal leader during the Mishkan’s inauguration, symbolizing unity and dedication to divine service. The priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) is also given, underscoring Hashem’s desire to bestow grace and peace upon Israel.

Behaalotecha (בהעלתך)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 8:1 - 12:16

In Parashat Behaalotecha, the Torah details the lighting of the menorah by Aharon, symbolizing the spiritual illumination brought by the Kohen Gadol. The Levites are formally consecrated for service, emphasizing their unique role in the Mishkan. The parasha also recounts the second Pesach, allowing those ritually impure to observe it a month later, demonstrating Hashem’s compassion. The people’s complaints about manna lead to the sending of quail and a severe punishment, highlighting the dangers of ingratitude. Miriam’s punishment for speaking against Moshe reinforces the severity of lashon hara. The portion concludes with Moshe’s unparalleled humility and prophetic connection to Hashem.

Shelach (שלח)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 13:1 - 15:41

Parashat Shelach recounts the episode of the twelve spies sent by Moshe to scout Eretz Yisrael. Ten spies return with a negative report, discouraging Bnei Yisrael from entering the land due to its formidable inhabitants. Only Yehoshua and Calev affirm that with Hashem’s help, they can conquer it. The people’s lack of faith leads to forty years of wandering in the desert, with that generation barred from entering the land. The parasha also includes the mitzvah of tzitzit, emphasizing remembrance of Hashem’s commandments. This teaches the importance of trust in Hashem and the dangers of lashon hara (evil speech).

Korach (קרח)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 16:1 - 18:32

Parashat Korach recounts the rebellion led by Korach, Datan, Aviram, and 250 prominent Israelites against Moshe and Aharon’s leadership. Korach, a Levite, challenges Aharon’s exclusive right to the priesthood, while Datan and Aviram reject Moshe’s authority entirely. Moshe responds by proposing a divine test: Korach’s followers are to offer incense, and Hashem will determine who is truly sanctified. The earth miraculously swallows Korach’s faction, and a fire consumes the incense-offerers. Aharon’s staff later blossoms, confirming his chosen status. The parasha underscores the gravity of machloket (dispute) not for Heaven’s sake and reaffirms the divine appointment of leadership and kehunah (priesthood).

Chukat (חוקת)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 19:1 - 22:1

Parashat Chukat begins with the laws of the parah adumah (red heifer), a quintessential chok (divine decree beyond human comprehension) that purifies those contaminated by contact with the dead. Miriam dies, and the miraculous well sustaining Israel in her merit disappears. The people complain about water, and Moshe strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, leading to his and Aharon’s punishment of not entering Eretz Yisrael. Aharon dies, and Elazar succeeds him. The people mourn Aharon, and fiery serpents punish their complaints; a copper serpent heals those who repent. Victories over Sichon and Og secure land east of the Jordan. The parashah emphasizes faith, divine justice, and leadership transitions.

Balak (בלק)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 22:2 - 25:9

In Parashat Balak, King Balak of Moab hires the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, fearing their growing power. Despite Balaam’s initial reluctance, he attempts to curse them, but God intervenes, transforming his words into blessings. Balaam utters prophecies praising Israel’s uniqueness and future greatness, including the famous line, "How goodly are your tents, O Jacob" (Numbers 24:5). The parasha concludes with the Israelites sinning with Moabite women and worshipping their idol, Peor, leading to a plague and Pinchas’ zealous intervention. The narrative underscores God’s protection of Israel and the danger of moral compromise.

Pinchas (פינחס)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 25:10 - 30:1

Parashat Pinchas begins with Hashem rewarding Pinchas for his zealous action in stopping the plague by granting him a covenant of peace and eternal priesthood. The parasha then details a census of Bnei Yisrael, emphasizing the importance of each tribe’s lineage. The daughters of Tzelofchad petition Moshe for their father’s inheritance, leading to the establishment of laws regarding inheritance by daughters when there are no sons. Hashem instructs Moshe to ascend Har HaAvarim to see Eretz Yisrael before his death, and Moshe requests a successor. Yehoshua is appointed as the new leader, symbolizing the continuity of Torah leadership. The parasha concludes with detailed descriptions of the korbanot (offerings) for the festivals, underscoring the centrality of the Beit HaMikdash in Jewish worship.

Matot (מטות)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 30:2 - 32:42

Parashat Matot begins with the laws of vows (nedarim) and their annulment, emphasizing the gravity of one's word and the authority of a father or husband to nullify a woman's vows under certain conditions. The parasha then recounts the war against Midian, commanded by Hashem as retribution for their role in leading Israel to sin. Bnei Yisrael defeat Midian, and Moshe instructs them on the purification of spoils and vessels. The tribes of Reuven and Gad request to settle east of the Jordan, initially angering Moshe, who fears they will discourage the nation. After they pledge to join the conquest of Canaan, their request is granted, with half of Menashe joining them. The parasha underscores the importance of commitment to collective destiny and the sanctity of speech.

Masei (מסעי)

Verses: Numbers (במדבר) 33:1 - 36:13

Parashat Masei concludes Sefer Bamidbar by recounting the 42 journeys of Bnei Yisrael through the wilderness, emphasizing Divine guidance at each stage. The Torah then delineates Eretz Yisrael's boundaries and the cities allocated to the Levi'im, including the six Arei Miklat (cities of refuge) for unintentional killers. The parasha also addresses the laws of accidental and intentional homicide, stressing the sanctity of life. Finally, it resolves the issue of the daughters of Tzelofchad marrying within their tribe to preserve ancestral land inheritance. The parasha underscores Hashem's meticulous providence and the importance of maintaining tribal and national integrity in Eretz Yisrael.

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