בס"ד
In Parshas Bamidbar we see the plans for the layout of the Israelite
camp, the circular pattern that echoed the positions of the sons of Yaakov as
they carried his coffin to its eternal resting place. The torah goes through
each tribe and lists how many there were and in which direction they should
camp. But, wait ! Didn't the Torah just list a regular census in which every
tribe was counted ? Why count the Jewish people twice in as many chapters ? (
Census 1 is written in perek alef while the camp layout, and it's population
register, is recorded in perek beis)
To answer this seeming redundancy, we must ask ourselves as to the
purpose of the census to begin with. Rashi,
commenting on the first accounting, tells us that the census was an expression
of love. Hashem loves us and therefore counts us frequently as a demonstration
of His affection. When something is precious we are constantly aware of how
much of it we have. (This would also explain why an Omniscient G-d would need
to perform a count to know how many yidden there are. He doesn't. The
act of counting is a show of love.) That is why this census was taken in the
tribes' birth order. Hashem loves us, not just for what we do, but for who we
are – and we came into being in that order.
The second accounting, highlighted a different aspect of the Jewish
nation, our differing roles. There are twelve tribes because there is a need
for many distinct types of yidden. Not everyone was born to lead like
Yehudah or guard the Mishkan like Levi. There are scholars like Yissachar and
merchants like Zevulun. And they all have their unique place in the tapestry of
Jewish communal life.
By listing the different locations of each tribe the Torah is
emphasizing our distinct identities. But by counting the Jews for a second
time, along with giving them their "marching orders", the Torah is
stating unequivocally that Hashem's affection for us is unconditional to us
fulfilling those roles. Yes, we each have a unique place in the camp that we
must shore up and support. But, no, our place amongst G-d's beloved children
isn't dependant on that. Hashem begins by counting us – just for who we
are – and only afterwards counting us for what we should, and could,
do.
Hatzlacha !!
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