 | Why the "countdown" to the holiday of Shavuot? What is the connection between numbers and counting and the special gift which our nation received on this holiday?
This was a very uplifting....
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Now, I feel better, about being, just a busser, of tables. I may not be a Kohanim, but I am dedicated, to the service, of God and man, and this counting makes me a part, of the whole. I love you guys and girls. Thank you for the wonderful teaching. God bless you eternally, for your service, to me. Sincerly,
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I'm interested in your phrase "the Torah, the ultimate equalizer."
In a recent Parshah, women are calculated at half the value as men. Were women included in the Badmidbar census? How about that group known as "the mixed multitude?" (The group whom I've come to understand were non-Jews who wanted a way out of Egypt, but just ended up making trouble for the Jews.)
I'm interested and learning, and have these and about a thousand other questions. Thank you.
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1) Regarding the “value” of men and women discussed in the end of Leviticus: it would seem that the money values the Torah gives have little to do with the actual value of the individual being “assessed.” For this reason, there is no distinction between a strong and robust individual and a weak, frail one; between a righteous Torah scholar and an ignorant evildoer. This is apparently one of those mitzvot that defy comprehension.
2) Regarding the women not being included in the census, see Don't Women Count? I would also like to point out that all those who were counted died in the desert. Those who were not included in this census – the Levites and the women – survived and entered the Promised Land.
3) According to the Ohr Hachaim (18th century mystic and biblical commentator), the Mixed Multitude all perished following (their instigation of) the sin of the Golden Calf.
4) More questions? Join a Torah class in your area, or send an email to our Ask the Rabbi service.
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Thank you very much. Shalom!!!
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I realise that each count is a chance to develop and renew a facet of character in preparation for Shavuot. I found this article helpful in stressing the importance of every single person, every single day, so that Shavuot is greeted by all of us, each at the very best that can be achieved. Our dutiful counting enhances both ourselves and the festival. Thank you for explaining this.
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With all due respect, one of the coolest things about Shavuot is the " countup " via the Lag B'Omar. It counts day 1 day 2 day 3 etc. and not 3 days left, 2 days left 1 day left. Shavuot is so very special that we refine ourselves daily to a higher and higher level in an additive manner as we get farther and farther away from the low level of our existence in Egypt.
This may be a small point of difference. All i know is that counting up it works for me, is more meaningful.
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Thank for this wonderful dvar Torah! It hit every nail on the head for this special Shabbos; preceeding Shavuot.
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