2020/5780

In this week's Parashah, the second Pasuk depicts Hashem telling Moshe Rabbeinu: “Seu Et Rosh Kol Adat Bnei Yisrael LeMishpechotam LeBeit Avotam BeMispar Shemot Kol Zachar LeGulgelotam,” “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by the clans of its ancestral houses, listing the names, every male, head by head” (BeMidbar 1:2). In the second Aliyah, every Jew was counted by his tribe. The Torah lists all the numbers of each tribe: Reuvein was 46,500 (1:21), Shimon was 59,300 (1:23), Gad was 45,650 (1:25), Yehdah was 74,600 (1:27), Yisacher was 54,400 (1:29), Zevulun was 57,400 (1:31), Ephraim was 40,500 (1:33), Menashe was 32,200 (1:35), Binyamin was 35,400 (1:37), Dan was 62,700 (1:39), Asher was 41,500 (1:41), and Naftali was 53,400 (1:43). The average population of a tribe was 50,296. However, Levi was the only tribe not counted at this point. Later in the Parashah, the Torah records that the number of the Leviim was 22,000 (3:39). The tribe of Levi encompasses all of the Kohanim and Leviim; they are considered extremely holy because they serve Hashem. With that in mind, how can it be that they had such a significantly smaller population? Additionally, why were they counted separately from the rest of Bnai Yisrael?

Rav Meilech Biderman, the Mashpia of Lelov Chassidut, explains as follows. He quotes the Ramban who says that the Leviim were separate from the rest of  Bnei Yisrael in Mitzrayim. They did not experience slavery in the same manner as the rest of the Jews endured. The rest of the Jewish people experienced severe cruelty on a daily basis. Therefore, they multiplied to such a great level; because when Hashem brings Tzara (pain) to us, there is always a lot more Berachah (blessing) to follow. When the Jews in Mitzrayim were in relentless pain, Hashem multiplied them to a much greater population. However, Levi, who did not experience this evil to the same extent, did not experience the miracle of many children. 

Additionally, the Gemara teaches us “Chayav Adam LeVareich Al HaRaah KeSheim SheMevareich Al HaTovah,” “A person is obligated to bless (Hashem) for the bad just like he would bless (Hashem) for the good” (Berachot 54a). Rav Meilich shares a story from Rav Shlomo Zvhiller wherein a beggar came to him, told him this Gemara, and asked “How it is possible to bless Hashem for the bad in my life when I know that Hashem gives other people a better life. How can I be happy and thank Hashem for this?” Rav Zhviller responded that when someone comes to a beggar and asks if he has a ten-dollar bill for change, the beggar knows that he is about to receive some Tzedaka. In the same way, when someone experiences bad in this world, Hashem is really just sending some other good their way.

  We can apply this lesson to Covid-19.  If someone views this as the world being turned around for the worst, they would be correct. However, a Jew knows that when there is something bad that happens, so much more good will follow. Let us all wait to see and look forward to the Berachot that Hashem will send us after these uncertain times.