<html>
<head>
<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered)">
<title>***************************************************************</title>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:David;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Miriam;
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0pt;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;}
h1
{margin:0pt;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-align:justify;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
letter-spacing:-.15pt;}
h2
{margin:0pt;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;
letter-spacing:-.15pt;}
p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText
{margin:0pt;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Courier New";}
/* Page Definitions */
@page Section1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:39.7pt 36.0pt 36.85pt 36.0pt;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
</head>
<body lang=EN-US>
<div class=Section1>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt'>*************************************************************************</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold'>THE TANACH STUDY CENTER www.tanach.org</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>In
Memory of Rabbi Abraham Leibtag</span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Shiurim in Chumash
& Navi by Menachem Leibtag</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-weight:bold'>*************************************************************************</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:9.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><i><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>PARSHAT
BAMIDBAR</span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><font size=1
face=Arial><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-weight:bold'> </span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Is there a ‘correct order’ for the twelve tribes? </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Even though they are listed numerous
times in Chumash, for some reason, each time their order seems to change!</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> In the following shiur, we attempt to explain why
their order changes so many times in Parshat Bamidbar. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>PART ONE - THE ORDER OF THE SHVATIM</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> In Parshat Bamidbar, the "shvatim" [tribes]
are listed in three different instances - when the Torah discusses:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> (A) The LEADERS (see 1:5-15);</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> (B) The actual CENSUS of the shvatim (1:20-43);</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> (C) Their ARRANGEMENT surrounding the Mishkan </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:129.3pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
46.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>(see 2:1-31).</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Based on these three sources, the following table
compares the order of the shvatim in each respective list. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>[A star -*- next the name of a tribe
will note a significant change from one list to the next:] </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'># (A) (B) (C)</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>1) Reuven Reuven *Yehuda</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>2) Shimon Shimon *Yisachar</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>3) Yehuda *Gad *Zevulun</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>4) Yisachar Yehuda Reuven</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>5) Zevulun Yisachar Shimon</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>6) Ephraim Zevulun Gad</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>7) Menashe Ephraim Ephraim</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>8) Binyamin Menashe Menashe</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>9) Dan Binyamin Binyamin</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>10) Asher Dan Dan</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>11) Gad Asher Asher</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>12) Naftali Naftali Naftali</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Review each of these lists, noting how (and where)
the order changes from one list to the next. To understand why, we must first explain
what each list is about.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>MOTHERS FIRST</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> The first list - column (A) - appears to be the most
logical. Note how the leaders of each tribe are presented:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>First - the children of Leah (eldest
first),</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:36.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Then - the children of Rachel,</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:36.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Then - the children of the 'shfachot'
(the maidservants)</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:122.2pt;text-indent:7.1pt'><font
size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'> (Bilha &
Zilpa). </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> The second list (when the census is taken) - column
(B) - is almost identical, but with one very peculiar change: GAD has 'moved
up' from position #11 to position #3!</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>For no obvious reason, it appears as
though Gad has been 'adopted' by the children of Leah.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> In the third list (when the shvatim are organized
surrounding the Mishkan) - column (C) - we find once again that Gad is placed
with "bnei Leah". However, this time we find yet another very
peculiar change: The tribes of Yehuda, Yisachar, and Zevulun - the <b><span
style='font-weight:bold'>youngest</span></b> children of Leah - have 'jumped'
to the top of list (i.e. ahead of their older brothers Reuven and Shimon)! </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Even though there is not obvious
reason for this change, we should expect it to be significant, for this final
list reflects the actual formation in which Bnei Yisrael travel through the
desert on their journey to Eretz Canaan (see Bamidbar 10:13-28).</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> With this in mind, we will now attempt to explain
the logic of this 're-organization' by considering the purpose of the Mishkan,
and its strategic location within the camp of Bnei Yisrael.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>DIVINE DIVISION</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Recall God's original commandment to Bnei Yisrael concerning
the purpose of the Mishkan:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:21.55pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
17.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>"v'assu li MIKDASH v'shachanti b'TOCHAM"</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:21.55pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
34.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>"They shall make for a sanctuary that I may dwell
AMONG THEM..." (see Shmot 25:8)</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:21.55pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Note how this pasuk could be
understood as a commandment as well - i.e. to erect the Mishkan in the CENTER
of the camp. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Therefore, to enable this placement,
the twelve tribes are divided into FOUR DIVISIONS. In this manner, the Mishkan
will be surrounded equally in all four directions (East, South, West, and
North) by groups of three tribes each. In other words, to create four
'divisions' from twelve tribes, the shvatim must be divided into four groups of
THREE tribes each. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>However, each group of three also requires
a leader - therefore four leadership tribes must be chosen, one for each
division. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:21.55pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Now we must explain which tribes are
chosen to lead these four groups (and why)?</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> As family leadership is the responsibility of the
"bechor" - the first born son - we find that the four leadership
"shvatim" are simply the four sons of Yaakov who possess a certain
aspect of being the 'first born' - namely: Reuven, Yehuda, Ephraim and Dan. Let's
explain why.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>REUVEN</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Reuven was the first son born to
Leah, therefore, his tribe obviously becomes one of the leaders.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>YEHUDA</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Recall from Sefer Breishit, that because
of Reuven's sin (taking the maidservant of his father/ see Br. 35:22), Yaakov
decided to award the family leadership to a different son. As Shimon &
Levi had also angered their father (at the incident at Shechem/ see Br. 34:30),
Yehuda was chosen as the family leader for the children of Leah.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>[See also Yaakov's blessing to his
children in 49:3-12 & Divrei Hayamim I 5:1-2!]</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:36.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>EFRAIM</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Even though Leah was Yaakov's first
wife to bear children, he still considered Rachel as his 'primary' wife. Therefore,
Rachel's first child - Yosef - is also considered a "bechor". In
fact, at his deathbed blessing to Yosef, Yaakov awards him with a 'double
portion' – treating both Efraim and Menashe as tribes (see Breishit 48:5). However,
at that same time, Yaakov also awarded the leadership (of Yosef’s family) to Efraim
instead of Menashe, as detailed in Breishit 48:17-19.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Hence, Efraim becomes the leadership tribe for the
children of Rachel.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>DAN</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:21.55pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>The children of the "shefachot"
[maidservants] also became an integral part of Yaakov's family, and therefore,
the firstborn of these children is also awarded the status of
"bechora". Dan becomes the obvious choice, as he is the first born
of Bilha, the "shifcha" of Rachel, the first maidservant to give
Yaakov a child. [Note as well how the four leadership positions are divided
equally between Yaakov's two wives: Rachel -2 (Efraim & Dan) and Leah -2
(Reuven & Yehuda).]</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>WHO BELONGS WITH EACH LEADER</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Once these four leadership tribes have been
designated, each must be joined by two additional tribes in order to form the necessary
four groups of three. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Considering that these leaders are
chosen based on the first born children of Yaakov's wives, it is only logical
that each leader should be joined by his closest relatives. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Therefore:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> * Reuven should be joined by Shimon and Levi, his two
younger brothers. However, Levi has a 'new job' and must encamp in closer
proximity to the Mishkan (see Bamidbar chapter 3). Thus, Reuven is joined only
by Shimon and remains one tribe 'short'.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> * To make Yehuda's group complete, he is joined by his
two younger brothers: Yisachar and Zevulun. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> * Efraim, the "bechor" of the 'house of
Rachel', is joined by his brother Menashe, and his uncle Binyamin, (Rachel's
youngest son). Thus, the group of "bnei Rachel" - is also complete.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> * Dan should be the leader for all of children of the
shfachot, i.e. his brother Naftali, and the two children of Zilpa: Gad and
Asher. Note however, that Dan's group has one ‘extra’ tribe. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Considering that Reuven is 'short' one tribe and Dan
has one too many, it is only logical that one of Dan's 'extras' moves to Reuven's
group. For this reason, Gad 'moves' from his 'home camp' to join the camp of
Reuven. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>But why was specifically Gad chosen?</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Naftali remains with Dan, for he is Dan's full
brother. Therefore, we are left to choose between Gad and Asher, the two
children of Zilpa. One could suggest that Gad is chosen for he is the eldest
son of Zilpa, and hence given the 'privilege' to ‘upgrade’ – to join the camp
of Reuven, while his younger brother Asher remains with the camp of Dan.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>HOW THEY TRAVELLED</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Now that we have explained how and why the tribes
are organized into four groups, we must explain the direction in which they
travel (as detailed in Bamidbar 2:3,10,18,25):</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>EAST</span></b> -
Yehuda, Yisachar, and Zevulun [Bnei Leah]</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>SOUTH</span></b> -
Reuven, Shimon, and Gad [Bnei Leah +Gad]</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>WEST</span></b> -
Ephraim, Menashe, and Binyamin [Bnei Rachel]</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>NORTH</span></b> -
Dan, Naftali, and Asher [Bnei ha'Shfachot]</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> As Bnei Yisrael must now travel from Har Sinai
(through the desert) toward Eretz Canaan, the basic direction of travel is
eastward. Therefore the camp in the East travels first. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>It would appear that Yehuda is chosen
for this direction because of his leadership qualities. Recall that he was
originally chosen by Yaakov for his leadership (he took responsibility for
Binyamin), and later they are known for their strong army (see Yehoshua
chapters 14->15).</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> The group of Reuven follows (to the south), as they
are the other tribes from Leah. Efraim follows (to the west), as he leads the
children of Rachel. Finally, the children of the "shfachot" (led by
Dan) travel last.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> With this background, we can now return to our
original question and explain the logic behind the three conflicting orders of
the shvatim:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>LIST (A) - The Leaders</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>The presentation of tribal leaders
(A) follows the most logical order: by mother/ by birth, i.e. the children of
Leah - followed by the children of Rachel - followed by the children of the
shfachot.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:36.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
17.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>[For some reason, the children of the shfachot are not
listed by the order of their birth. It seems that Naftali must always be last,
and Asher precedes Gad for he will remain within the camp of "bnei
ha'shfachot.”]</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>LIST (B) - The Census</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>The census (B) follows basically the
same order as (A), however it already reflects the 'transfer' of shevet Gad
into the camp of Reuven, placing him in the position of Levi (#3). Most
likely, this is because this census will be the basis for the organization of
the tribes into groups of three.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:36.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>LIST (C) - Surrounding the Mishkan</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>The organization of the shvatim
around the Mishkan (C) reflects not only Gad's new position within the camp of
Reuven, but also Yehuda's leadership role in travel formation, for he is
destined to be the leader of all the shvatim. [See Breishit 49:10 - "lo yasur
shevet m'yudah..."] Therefore, this list begins with Yehuda, followed by
the tribes of his camp, then Reuven and his camp, etc. etc.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Up until this point, our discussion has been rather
technical. In Part II, we discuss this significance of this special manner by
which the tribes encamped around the Mishkan.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>PART TWO - WHEN AND WHY</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> The opening pasuk of Parshat Bamidbar informs us
that this organization of the shvatim and the census took place on the first
day of Iyar (in the second year, see 1:1). However, in the details of the
Mishkan's dedication ceremony, as recorded Parshat Naso, we find an apparent
contradiction. Let's explain.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Recall how Parshat Naso describes the dedication of
the Mishkan with special korbanot offered by the "nsiim" [the tribal
leaders], that took place during the first twelve days of Nisan (see 7:12-83).
However, when you review that list of the "nsiim", you'll notice that
their order is exactly the same as the order of list (C)! </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>This proves that the special order of
the tribes (C) already existed on the first of Nisan, a month before the census
was taken on the first of Iyar! This suggests that this order was already
significant, even before Bnei Yisrael prepared for travel to Eretz Canaan!</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:21.55pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>To explain why, we must recognize
that this special organization of the shvatim served a double purpose - both
military and spiritual:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> * MILITARY - To prepare the camp for travel in military
order, in anticipation of their conquest of Eretz Canaan.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> * SPIRITUAL - To emphasize to the entire nation that
the Mishkan is located at the CENTER of the camp, in order that they recognize
the God's SHCHINA dwells among them.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>Let's explain why:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>(1) The census in Parshat Bamidbar is of military nature,
for it counted all the males above the age of twenty - "kol yotze tzava
b'Yisrael" - because they will be fighting the battle to conquer Eretz
Canaan (see 1:3).</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Furthermore, the subsequent
organization of the twelve tribes into four divisions, was also of a military
nature. Finally, the census is taken on the first of Iyar, for only 20 days
later Bnei Yisrael will actually leave Har Sinai (see 10:11) and begin their
journey to conquer Eretz Canaan. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>(2) One month earlier, when the Mishkan was dedicated, we
find that this same order of the shvatim already existed. This implies that
even before the census, the camp of Bnei Yisrael had already been organized in
a manner so that the Mishkan would be located at its center. To do so, it was
necessary to divide the twelve tribes into four groups of three, with each
group flanking the Mishkan in a different direction. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>This would imply that even when Bnei
Yisrael were still encamped at Har Sinai, it was already important that they be
reminded (by placing the Mishkan at the center) that God's presence was in
their midst, and act accordingly.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>THE SHCHINA RETURNS</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> To appreciate the additional importance of the
location of the Mishkan at the center of the camp, we should also consider the
events which took place after "chet ha'Egel" - the sin of the Golden Calf.
</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Recall that in response to "chet ha'Egel",
God had instructed Bnei Yisrael to remove their 'crowns' that they had received
at Har Sinai (see Shmot 33:5-6), a sign that He is removing His shchina from
their midst. For the very same reason, God then instructed Moshe to move his
tent (the site where God speaks to Moshe) OUTSIDE the camp:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:36.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
17.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>"And Moshe took the Tent, and pitched it OUTSIDE
the camp, at a FAR DISTANCE from the camp, and called it 'OHEL MOED', then
whoever sought God would have to go to the 'Ohel Moed' located OUTSIDE the
camp." (Shmot 33:7)</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> The very location of this "ohel moed" [tent
of meeting] OUTSIDE the camp served as a constant reminder to Bnei Yisrael that
God had removed His shchina from their midst. In order for His shchina to return,
it was necessary for Bnei Yisrael to build the Mishkan:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:36.0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
17.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>"And they shall build for Me a Mishkan, and I
will DWELL IN THEIR MIDST [v'shachanti b'TOCHAM]" (see Shmot 25:8)</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Therefore, the re-organization of the camp of Bnei
Yisrael in such a manner that the Mishkan is located at its center serves as a
sign to the people that God has indeed returned His shchina to the camp. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Because of its significance, a 'remnant' of this camping
arrangement of the tribes 'around the Mishkan' continued even after the forty
years in the desert, when Bnei Yisrael finally conquer and settle the land. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> To explain how and why, we must consider the
blessing of Moshe Rabeinu in Parshat v'Zot ha'Bracha to the tribe of Binyamin:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>"And to Binyamin he said:
"ydid Hashem -yishkon l'vetach alav..." [the dear tribe of God - upon
whose territory His Presence will dwell... ] (see Devarim 33:12).</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>For this reason, Chazal consider the
tribe of Binyamin as "nachlat shchina" [the territory of God], for it is destined to house the Bet ha'Mikdash. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>If so, then the following parallel
emerges.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Recall from Sefer Yehoshua, that when
the tribes receive their "nachalot" (as described in chapters
13->19), we find a very similar configuration!</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><b><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>IN THE DESERT
| IN ERETZ YISRAEL</span></font></b></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:14.45pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
12.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:21.55pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'> Dan | Efraim</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> | | |</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'>Efraim - Mishkan - Yehuda | Dan - Binyamin - Reuven</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> | | |</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:21.55pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:
34.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:
8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Reuven | Yehuda</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> Note how in both configurations the site of the
SHCHINA - be it the Mishkan in the desert, or the Mikdash in "nachalat
Binyamin" - is surrounded by the same four 'leadership' tribes! [The
directions have simply rotated 90 degrees (and inverted).] </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> One could suggest that the Torah dedicates such minute
detail to this manner of travel, to emphasize how the Mishkan serves this double
purpose: </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> 1) It acts as a symbol of God's presence within the camp
of Israel (see Shmot 25:8 and above), and...</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> 2) It functions as a constant reminder to Bnei Yisrael,
as they travel, of their Divine purpose.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-right:36.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> As Bnei Yisrael prepare their departure from Har
Sinai towards the conquest of the Land of Israel, they will face new challenges.
For example: </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Can they translate what they have
learned at Har Sinai into the norms of the daily life of a nation? </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Will they be capable of fulfilling
the mundane tasks of fighting battles, establishing a nation, and cultivating
the land etc., while at the same time remaining on the spiritual level of Har
Sinai? </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> This week, as we celebrate Yom Yerushalayim, this
challenge takes on special significance. Can we, the nation of Israel, continue our battle for Yerushalayim and the mundane chore of maintaining a secure
and prosperous state, without compromising on the spiritual ideals of Har
Sinai? </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Can we maintain Yerushalayim not only
as a unified capital city, but also as a city characterized by "tzedek
u'mishpat" (justice and righteousness)? </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText style='text-indent:17.0pt'><font size=1 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial'>Although the Bet-Mikdash, the symbol
of this challenge, was destroyed some two thousand years ago - both Parshat
Bamidbar and Yom Yerushalayim can serve as a yearly reminder of this eternal
challenge.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> shabbat shalom,</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt;
font-family:Arial'> menachem</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=1 face=Arial><span style='font-size:8.5pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>