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Do not let the tribe of the Kehati family be cut off… this is what you shall do that they shall live…and assign them, every man to his work and his burden. (4:19,20)

In the Midrash there is a dispute regarding the attitude of Bnei Kehas about their dangerous work. Rabbi Elazar ben Pedas opines that they were so in awe of the sanctity of the Aron Ha’kodesh and the hazards that accompanied it, that they ran to carry the other holy vessels instead. Rabbi Shmuel ben Nachman contends that, on the contrary, despite the risk of death, Bnei Kehas were eager to care for the Aron Hakodesh. Horav Ze’ev Weinberger, Shlita, comments that people exhibit varied attitudes in relating to the Aron, even in contemporary times. Some Jews, although they are great…

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And these are the generations of Aharon and Moshe…and these are the names of the sons of Aharon. (3:1,2)

The Torah declares that it is about to enumerate the generations of Aharon and Moshe.  Yet, it only mentions Aharon’s sons.  Rashi explains that this is consistent, since Moshe taught Torah to Aharon’s sons.  Thus, we infer that whoever teaches his friend’s son Torah is considered as if he had fathered them.  The Torah forges a bond between rebbe and talmid which is almost biological in nature.  This means that the love that exists between a father and son  should be nurtured  between a rebbe and talmid. The bond between teacher and student is the subject of a talk which…

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Those encamping near him are therefore the tribe of Yissachar…the tribe of Zevulun… (2:5,7)

Yehudah, Yissachar, and Zevulun were grouped together under one banner.  The commentators cite various reasons  for the connection between these three tribes.  Rabbenu Bachya contends that since the members of these three tribes were accomplished Torah scholars, it would seem appropriate that they camp in close proximity to one another.  This explanation  seems puzzling, in light of  the fact that Zevulun was known to engage in commerce so that his brother Yissachar could devote all of his time to Torah study.  Zevulun undoubtedly  appreciated Torah study. Was he, however, as scholarly as Yissachar and Yehudah?Yehudah, Yissachar, and Zevulun were grouped…

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And Hashem spoke to Moshe in the wilderness of Sinai. (1:1)

Chazal emphasize the fact that Klal Yisrael received the Torah in a barren wilderness.  The desert is a  desolate place, void of any amenities.  One must subsist on the bare minimum and not indulge himself in empty physical pleasures if he is to succeed in filling his mind and heart with Torah.  The emptiness of the desert also symbolizes  Klal Yisrael’s reliance upon the Almighty.  We were provided with food from Heaven, water from a stone; Hashem’s miracles addressed our every need.   We must realize that Hashem determines success in life, both spiritual and physical.  The conditions under which…

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