Parsha Points To Ponder

1)Why is the census of all tribes other than Levi referred to as LIFT UP THE HEAD (SÍU ET ROSH) while the census of Levi did not include that terminology?  (see 1:2 and 3:15)
2)The describes how the Jews camped, with 2 tribes traveling under the banner of a third tribe in all four directions. Why does the Torah introduce every one of these secondary tribes with the letter VAV meaning AND with the exception of Zevulun (2:7)?
3)Why20does the Torah emphasize that the Leviim were separated FROM AMIDST THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL? (see 3:9 and 3:12) What would be lacking without those words?

Answer to 1)

The Chasam Sofer teaches that LIFT UP THE HEAD means to give a boost to the ego of those being counted. Each person counted individually indicated that they were important and this lifted their self esteem. The tribe of Levi served as the leaders of the nation. Leaders have to be so careful about becoming conceited and haughty in their lofty positions and, therefore, the notion of how special it was to be counted individually was downplayed with regards to the census of Levi.

Answer to 2)

The Baal HaTurim answers that since Yissacher and Zevulun functioned as one unit with Yissacher learning Torah while being supported by Zevulun, there was no room for separation between the two as would have been implied by a VAV. Their spiritual closeness was captured by the lack of a physical separation between their encampments.

Answer to 3)

Rav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld explains that there was a dang er in the tribe of Levi being designated as the leaders of the nation. They could begin to identify themselves as a different people and the rest of the nation could feel distant and a lack of brotherhood. Thus, when the they were distinguished for their special service, the Torah emphasizes that they were a part of a broader nation and should work to insure that it remains that way.

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