No Dispute

Camping in front of the Mishkan, in front of the Tent of Meeting to the east were Moses, Aaron and his sons... [Bamidbar 3:38]

Rashi coments: Adjacent to them was the division of the camp of Yehudah, with whom Yissachar and Zevulun camped.  The righteous man prospers and his neighbor prospers!  Since they were neighbors of Moshe, who was engaged in Torah study, they became great Torah scholars.

A person could influence his neighbour with any good or bad quality.  Nevertheless, the fact that Rashi mentions just one good quality - Torah study - and one negative quality - being quarrelsome [see Rashi's Commentary to v. 29 and 38], is certainly no coincidence; it indicates that these two qualities are connected with each other. 

Rashi is teaching us that the study of Torah and involvement in disputes are diametric opposites.  If a person studies Torah with the proper intentions and sufficient dedication, he simply will not become involved in disputes, bcause Torah is the common thread which unites all Jews.

Based on Likutei Sichos vol 33, pp 16-17 Lubavitcher Rebbe

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In The Desert

Bamidbar, the name of this week's parsha as well as the name of the entire 4th book of the Torah, means "in the desert". However, the name Bamidbar itself does not seem to bring to light any unique qualities of the Parsha at all. At this point, the Jewish people have been situated in the desert for a considerable period of time: throughout the whole book of Vayikra and part of the book of Shemos. So what is added now by stressing that the Jewish people were "in the desert"?

The answer to this question lies in the fact that "we always read Parshas Bamidbar before Shavuot" [Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim]. Before we experience the giving of the Torah once again - for spiritually the Torah is given anew every Shavuot - it is necessary to recall and take to heart the fact that the Torah was not given in a civilized environment, but in a desert.

The lesson here is twofold:

1. A desert is a place of utter desolation where "no man can live". Thus the Torah was given there to indicate that it should be embraced without any preconceptions or ulterior motives. When a person lives in a civilized place and he encounters a new idea or suggestions, he will first evaluate it to determine whether it is acceptable according to societal norms. With Torah, however, this would be a mistake; the correct approach to accepting the Torah is "we will do, and (later) we will understand" [Shemos 24:7]. Therefore the Torah was given in a desert, where nobody lives, to indicate that one needs to be truly "open-minded" - i.e. not influenced by one's environment - to appreciate its values.

2. The Torah was given in a desert to teach that sharing the Torah with those who currently find themselves in a spiritual desert is fundamental to Torah Judaism. It is not the case that the Torah can "also" reach those who are found in a spiritual wasteland; to the contrary, this is a central theme of the giving of the Torah: To transform every spiritual desert into a "civilized environment".

Based on Sichas Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (5732 and 5734)

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Self Reflections

"No man among you may mislead his fellowman, and you shall fear your G-d" [Behar 25:17]

According to the simple meaning of the verse, remarked R' Simchah Bunim of P'shischa, the Torah is only prohibiting an individual from deceiving his fellowman.  An individual of true piety, however, will go beyond the letter of the law and refrain from deceiving himself as well.

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Trump Proclaims a "National Shabbat"

As part of the 2026 U.S. 250th-anniversary celebrations, President Trump proclaimed a "National Shabbat" [Shabbat 250] from sundown on May 15 through nightfall on May 16, 2026. 

This initiative encourages a period of rest, reflection, and gratitude, honoring the Jewish tradition of Shabbat and recognizing Jewish contributions to the United States.

Key Details of the National Sabbath [Shabbat 250]:

Significance: Proclaimed to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence (Semiquincentennial) and celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month.

Duration: From sundown Friday, May 15, to nightfall Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Purpose: Encourages all Americans to join in a national day of rest and reflection, acknowledging the Jewish tradition of Shabbat.

Proclamation Context: Trump recognized the role of Jewish Americans and their contributions, referencing early figures like Haym Salomon.

Support: Orthodox organizations and community members expressed support for this initiative.

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