parsha of the week: rabbi avi billet

Encountering the unlimited abilities of G-d

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Having given all the instructions for the kohanim, in chapter 8 we see Moshe being given precise instructions to set the stage for Inauguration Day.

In one of the most immediate cause and effect episodes in the Torah, Moshe is told to gather the people at the Ohel Moed (Gathering Tent, the Mishkan) in 8:3, and in 8:4, “the community was assembled at the entrance of the Ohel Moed.”

Was the entire community really there to watch Moshe vest his brother and nephews in their priestly vestments (8:6-13)?

Ibn Ezra says the “entire community” refers to the “leaders of the tribes and the elders.” That would be a little over 80 people. The Rosh is of the view that 600,000 people were able to gather in a relatively small space to witness this momentous occasion. And the point, explains Chizkuni (based on the midrash) is that everyone should learn to conduct themselves in a holy manner with respect to and when relating to the priests.

In support of Ibn Ezra, the Torah Temimah reminds us of the passage in Sanhedrin 2a that a High Priest can only be appointed by the Sanhedrin of 71. And that the term used to describe the community, “eidah” certainly refers to a Sanhedrin which passes judgments. Thus while leadership must be present, the entire nation need not bother with coming to watch the dressing ceremonies.

Rabbenu Bachaye describes the gathering as a “miraculous occurrence” and he gives a number of examples where the population that gathered defied all logical explanations, because their reality entered the realm of the supernatural. One example is the 22,000 chariots of angels that were present at Revelation at the bottom of Sinai. And when all of Israel crossed the Jordan to enter the land, they walked between the poles of the Ark. During the time of Resurrection when all the good people through the history of the world will return to the living, he claims, there will be enough room for everyone.

On a purely rational basis, it is hard to understand some of these passages, and even more difficult to explain the physics. As a believer, I can accept that something can happen, but it is hard to visualize, even if I believe it absolutely happened.

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