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The Torah depicts the erection and dismantling of the Mishkan in great # 26347-EYAL-6
Why were the members of Shevet Levi counted from the age of one detail. Also described at length is the arrangement of the tribe of Levi,
month, when the rest of the nation was only counted from the age of who carried its parts, as well as the details of the vessels. This demands
twenty? Also, why is the term head count not used when counting Shevet explanation. All of the forms of forbidden labor on Shabbat, which apply
Levi? to all generations, are learned only through allusions in the work of the
Why were Bnei Yisrael commanded to encamp according to their flags? Mishkan, which are not spelled out, whereas the details of assembling and
Wouldn’t one large encampment under one flag encourage a greater sense dismounting the Mishkan, a provisional command applicable only for that
of unity, whereas different flags might foster dissention? generation, were described in detail.
The word signifies greatness in Torah. Am Yisrael is capable of The Torah emphasizes the work done in assembling and dismounting the
growing in Torah only when each person recognizes his status, and Mishkan because it was the assignment of the tribe of Levi, those who
youngsters respect their elders. Encampment according to their flags by a toiled in Torah and did not sin with the Calf. Even while yet in Egypt,
precise arrangement trained the nation to adopt a lifestyle of order and they were involved in Torah study. Every person should learn from here
timeliness, the foundation of a Torah lifestyle. the importance of building a miniature Mishkan inside of himself.
The concept of a national flag indicates independence. Bnei Yisrael Hakadosh Baruch Hu commanded Moshe to instruct the people to observe
maintained the kedushah of the nation by encamping according to their two days of preparation prior to Matan Torah. Moshe, of his own accord,
flags, each tribe apart. This allowed them to keep their tents from facing added a day, instructing the nation to prepare for three days (Shabbat 87a).
each other. Bilaam, in his famous proclamation, “How goodly are your Hashem agreed with his reasoning. There are two principles to learn here.
tents, O Yaakov, your dwelling places, O Israel” refers to this great level The first is the superiority of Shevet Levi, for Moshe, who came from that
of tzeniut. shevet, received authorization from Hashem to add another day of
