Parasha Summary
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.