Bamidbar

This Shabbos Rabbi Ya'akov Lehrfield of the Young Israel of Staten Island shared beautiful ideas in his user friendly pre-davening class. What follows is my take on his observations.

He spoke about the line which says that the sons of Moshe and Aharon will follow, but only a list of Aharon's sons is provided. Rashi cites Chazal's explanation that if you teach your friend's son Torah he is considered like your own child. Rabbi Lehrfield noticed that Rashi's comment is about your friend's son. Why is it phrased that way? Wouldn't the same principle apply to teaching anyone's child Torah? His answer is that in order teachers to do their job properly there needs to be a connection between teachers and parents. I think this is a very important point.


He also noted that when Aharon's sons are listed there is an etnachtah after the word bechor used to describe the first son on the list, making him stand out from all the others. This rubbed Rabbi Lehrfield the wrong way, as the non-oldest child. He presented an answer which I (and the nice fellow sitting next to me) zoned out for.


Rabbi Lehrfield pointed out another case of interesting trup. When Gershon, Kehat, and Merari are listed there is an etnachtah - pause - after each name. Even though they were siblings with common ground between them, they also each had their own unique abilities and tasks. This is hinted to by the etnachtah.


Finally Rabbi L considered a Rashi that states that Levi wasn't counted because they are G-d's chosen ones, the special children of The King. Then Rashi says another reason having to do with the fact that Levi did not sin in the episode of the golden calf. Rabbi Lehrfield suggested a connection between these two reasons; the first leads to the second. They were told that they were of high esteem, and they therefore felt and acted accordingly.


As a teacher I think a lot about that last point. Kids that thrive are often kids that have been brought up being told that they are bright, capable, attractive and more. Adults are that way too.


For other thoughts on Bamidbar from me see here and here.