B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר (Numbers 1:1−4:20)

Parsha B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר Torah Summary:

God commands Moses to take a census of all the Israelite males over the age of twenty. (1:1-46) The duties of the Levites, who are not included in the census, are detailed. (1:47-51) Each tribe is assigned specific places in the camp around the Tabernacle. (1:52-2:34) The sons of Levi are counted and their responsibilities are set forth. (3:1-3:39) A census of the firstborn males is taken and a special redemption tax is levied on them. (3:40-51) God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the responsibilities of Aaron and his sons, and the duties assigned to the Kohathites. (4:1-20) B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר Today is the 43rd (out of 50) day of the Omer, and we enter week 7 of counting. This week is all about prayer. What is prayer? Prayer is everything and nothing, stillness and movement, silence and screaming. Prayer is our heart, soul, and kishkas (gut). The essential element is patience. Attune yourself inward to your world within and beyond, and you will discover all the abundance you require. This week, I offer this prayer and practice by Franz Kafka: Learn to be quiet. You need not do anything. Remain sitting at your table and listen. You need not even listen; just wait. You need not even wait; just learn to be quiet, still, and solitary. And the world will freely offer itself to you unmasked. It has no choice, It will roll in ecstasy at your feet.