The Book of Numbers… But Are The Numbers Accurate?

Parshat B'Midbar

by Rabbi Avi Billet

Shortly after being introduced to the leaders of the tribes we find each tribe being counted – twice (1:46 and 2:32). Each time the tally of Israelites (minus the tribe of Levi) is 603,550 males over the age of 20. This is the same number given to us in Shmot 38:26 based on the counting of the ½ shekel – though it is possible that the number then included the tribe of Levi. 

Rabbi Baruch HaLevi Esptein wondered about the rounded nature of the numbers of each tribe, all of which end in a round hundreds number, except for the tribe of Gad which ends with a “50.” In Parshat Pinchas, there is another census which amounts to 601,730 Israelites (not including Levites) where among all the rounded-to-hundreds the number 30 appears, this time for the tribe of Naftali. 

 And so Rabbi Epstein asked if this is meant to be taken as accurate numbers, or could the people (or the Torah) have been rounding things. 

Rabbenu Asher writes in Pesachim (Siman 40) that the Torah’s way when it comes to numbers in the tens that end in 9, is to give us the rounded tens number paying no attention to the discrepancy. To bring a few examples: 

לפום צערא אגרא – According to the Effort is the Reward

The title is a quote from בן הא הא (Ben Heh Heh) at the end of Avos Chapter 5

Week of Parshat Emor (this is not related to the Parsha)

by Rabbi Avi Billet

Following the tradition to study Pirkei Avos in the weeks between Pesach and Shavuos, this week we are studying the 4th chapter, which begins with a well-known series of rhetorical questions of Ben Zoma, which are followed by atypical answers. In the interest of space I will leave out his proof texts

 • Who is wise? One who learns from everyone

 • Who is strong? One who overcomes his inclinations

 • Who is rich? One who is happy with one’s portion (lot)

 • Who is honorable? One who honors others 

These answers are counterintuitive. Many people, without thinking, would answer the first questions by mentioning a top scientist or academician, and Jews will note a great rabbinic scholar. The second would go to a weight lifter, top soldier, martial arts expert, boxer, etc. The third would be the wealthiest people on earth, based on their known assets. The fourth might reference famous people who are known to be beacons of morality, or whose humility comes through despite their fame. Or perhaps a fine friend or neighbor!

Ben Zoma clearly had a different point to make, about what truly matters.