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?
5 Comments Posted
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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