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bamidbar ר ַּב ְד ִּ מ ַּב

££Finding One’s Place in the World
£Finding One’s Place in the WorldFinding One’s Place in the World

In English, the book of Bamidbar is called Numbers, a somewhat
surprising translation given that “bamidbar” means “in the desert.”
However, aside from this objection, this choice makes perfect sense
as the tribes, “families,” and individuals are counted several times
throughout the book, most notably at the beginning. This recurring
theme raises two questions: Why does the Torah present such a
detailed census? And, given that the Torah speaks to each person
in every generation, what does this detailed census have to teach us
today?

In the 1960s Marshall McLuhan, a communications expert, coined
a very useful phrase: “the medium is the message.” In other words,
he suggested that what we communicate is intrinsically connected
to the manner in which we choose to communicate it. The medium
is not neutral; it not only effects the message but can even become
one with it. (See the “The Medium Is the Message – Patterns in the
Torah and the Number Ten” in Ki Tisa for another instance of this 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 14 - A | 18-01-28 | 12:12:05 | SR:-- | Magenta
phenomenon.) #24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 14 - A | 18-01-28 | 12:12:05 | SR:-- | Yellow 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 14 - A | 18-01-28 | 12:12:05 | SR:-- | Black 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 14 - A

One of the lengthy census’ fundamental messages is that both the
nation as a whole and its component parts are exceedingly important
and unique. Initially, individuals, “families,” and tribes are counted;
then, another count is recorded of the three tribes encamped on each
side of the Tabernacle. Finally, a global figure is given for all the
tribes. The ever larger circles of influence, physically demarcated
by the encampments, each have their own dynamic and every
individual Jew constantly operates within these various contexts,
either consciously or unconsciously. The Torah chose to make “the
medium the message” by expressly mentioning each individual,

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