Questions for Preparation and Self Study
Questions for Preparation -word format
Shiur #1: Four 'Bchorim': The Order of the Shvatim
Shiur #2: Intro to Sefer Bamidbar

Four 'Bchorim': The Order of the Shvatim

What is the 'correct' order of the "shvatim" (the twelve tribes)? For some reason, each time that they are listed in Parshat Bamidbar their order seems to change! In this week's shiur, we attempt to explain why.

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Intro to Sefer Bamidbar

Is there a theme that ties Sefer Bamidbar together? For example, Parshat Naso contains what appears to be a very strange progression of parshiot. After all, what logical connection exists between the duties of the Leviim, the laws of "korban chatat" and "sotah," the laws of "nazir" and "birkat kohanim," and the dedication ceremony of the Mishkan? To your surprise, our shiur will not explain why they are indeed connected. Instead, we will do exactly the opposite - we will explain why these parshiot do not follow in logical progression! To understand why, we must consider the 'nuts & bolts' of Sefer Bamidbar. That means that we will analyze the sefer (as usual) in search of its unifying theme. While doing so, we will uncover a rather fascinating pattern - unique to Sefer Bamidbar. A pattern that explains why many of its 'pieces' just don't seem to fit.

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