Parshat Bamidbar
By: Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
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Uniting with the Holy Presence in Our Holy Land
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"HaShem, the Lord of Hosts, happy is one who puts his hope in You!”
Hanna was the first person to use the term “the Lord of Legions” to refer to HaShem. She used this term in her penitence for a son, saying, 'if You have created so many legions of people, can you not give me a son?' Thus this Name has strong emphasis on the Divine power that rests with masses of People. Indeed, the mishna of Brachot teaches us, according to one opinion, that this Name is to be used in a zimun- 'summoning' of Birkas HaMazon in the presence of 10,000 participants. The term 'legion' does not only refer to the power of masses, but also to the organized system of people to overcome and defeat the enemy. Thus, it seems clear from this week's parsha's emphasis on the 'legions of Israel' that this count is not only for the defense in the un-inhabited Wilderness, but rather more primarily it is a preparation to conquer the Land of Israel.
In the past we have mentioned numbers of mitzvot tied with the army of Israel. Some of these mitzvot are defending Israel from its foes, the war on Amalek, and more. The conquering and securing of the Land in the hands of Israel is also an important component of Torah's value of the army of Israel. In this way, serving in the army of Israel is a mitzva upon all men (women are exempt as Torah determines that women are not meant to be of military nature- see Yevamot 65b and more). Thus, we see in our history that even very righteous figures such as the pupils of Yehoshua and David all went out to battle in 'mitzva' military maneuvers (to be differentiated from 'optional' battles in which those who study Torah and some others all fully exempt) This said, just as in every mitzva, if one is studying Torah and the mitzva can be fulfilled by others, one should continue his study of Torah. Similarly, in this case, if it is not crucial to the army that a specific person be taken to service, this specific person may make the decision that the spiritual benefit of their Torah learning (and/or teaching in the present and/or future) is more beneficial than their service in the army.
Hebron is the place of the first 'conscription' to battle in Israel, as Avraham rounded up his people (or person -Eliezer) at this spot to wage battle on the 'Four Kings' who had taken Lot captive. It seems that it is no accident that it is specifically from Lot, saved in this endeavor, comes David (through Moav the son of Lot), one of the greatest Fighters of Israel, who began his reign in no place other than Hebron.
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Real Stories from the Holy Land #119:
“For numbers of years I had been trying to buy a spacious apartment for my family, which had been growing and growing causing our small rented apartment to become especially crowded and cramped. One day, when things became especially difficult, I traveled to the Kotel to plead before HaShem on my situation, praying and crying for an hour and a half. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder, to which I turned. The person inquired what I was praying/crying about. I then 'unburdened' before him my troubles, etc.... To this, the man answered me, saying: 'what you have, I don't have, and what I have you don't have...” He explained that the doctors told him that he only has a few days to live. He also explained that he was blessed with much wealth, but yet has no family to give it to. “Please”, he pleaded “take my money and buy yourself an apartment, so that I do something worthwhile in my life, and don't turn me away!” And so it was... That day, we went to the real-estate agent and I purchased a 5 room apartment in Jerusalem.” (a.t.b Y.F)
Sources: Pninei Halacha ch. 4
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