Beha'alosecha: The Hidden Books
Liluei Nishmas Ita bas Chanoch Aharon Bistritzky
In this Parsha, we find something unique. The Parsha begins by discussing Aaron's role in lighting the Menorah. It then details the order of the Israelites' encampment and their travel plans. Following this, you encounter an inverted nun, which frames the following two verses: "When the Ark would travel, Moses would say, 'Arise, Hashem, and let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee from You.'" This phenomenon, with an inverted nun before and after verses, is found nowhere else in the Torah.
The Gemara explains that these two verses should be isolated and considered their own book within the Torah. While we typically think there are five books of the Torah, this interpretation suggests there are seven. The sequence is Bereshit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar (Numbers) up to the first nun, the verses enclosed by the nuns as their own book, the remainder of Bamidbar after the second nun, and finally Devarim.
This raises a question: If the verses following these two verses form their own book, why do they start with the negative events of the Israelites complaining and facing plagues? This seems an odd way to begin a book of the Torah.
The explanation lies in the nature of lighting the Menorah. Aaron is commanded not just to light the candles but to light them until the wick itself catches flame and becomes a source of light. This metaphor extends to education, where there are short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term education lifts someone temporarily, but they fall back once support is withdrawn. Long-term education, however, ignites a lasting flame within the individual, making them a source of light themselves.
Beha'alotcha is about the first four books of the Torah, where Hashem is building the Jewish nation and lighting up Israel so they can illuminate the world. As they leave Mount Sinai, the question is whether Hashem's influence has been short-term or long-term. The sixth book of the Torah, starting with complaints and challenges, demonstrates that even though the Israelites were imperfect and complained, they remained Hashem's people. This shows that the influence lasted, indicating a successful long-term divine education.
The seventh book, Devarim, further reveals that the influence of the Torah endured despite human imperfection. This long-lasting influence signifies that the education and connection to Hashem were authentic and real.
When our positive traits and commitments endure even in challenging times, we know that our education and values are truly internalized and real. This is the ultimate goal of authentic, long-term education
Adapted from Life Talks on the Parsha