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Most years, we read Parashat BeMidbar on the Shabbat preceding Shavuot. What is the connection between the Parashah and the Yom Tov? The Gemara in Megillah first explains the reason for doing this every year. The first reason is that there is a Tochachah in Parashat BeChukotai, so we read it after this Tochachah. The Gemara also explains the reasoning for why we read a Tochachah before Rosh HaShanah in Parashat Ki Tavo. The reason is that we want to put the curses behind us and be able to move forward with a clean slate with a year full of Berachot and promise. This Gemara actually says that not only is Rosh HaShanah a “new start” but also that Shavuot is a type of “Rosh HaShanah”. Tosafot pose the obvious question: Why then do we read Parashat BeMidbar before Shavuot? Shouldn't we just read Parashat BeChukotai and then celebrate Shavuot? Similarly, later in the year at Rosh HaShanah, Ki Tavo is not the Parashah preceding Rosh HaShanah. There is Parashat Nitzavim between them! Tosafot answer that we need a full week buffer between the Tochachah and the following Yom Tov.
Another explanation highlights the connection between Parashat BeMidbar and Shavuot. The additional Parashah is not just a buffer, but it leads us on the journey to Har Sinai into Kabbalat HaTorah. The Midrash explains that Hashem offered the Torah to all the nations. When each nation inquired about the details about the Torah, Hashem shared with them a Mitzvah that went against their nature. For example, the nation of Edom was told the prohibition of murder which they immediately refused to accept. Hashem repeated this process for each of the other nations. The Sefat Emet asks, What Mitzvah challenges the nature of Jews? The Klei Chemdah in Parashat BeShalach explains that we were told the rules of Shloshet Yemei Hagbalah - the three days of separation prior to Kabbalat HaTorah. The Klei Chemdah explains that the nature of a Jew is to research and inspect every matter no matter what subject. For example, when studying Gemara, we look to find all the small details and learn everything we can about the small details. This nature tempts us to overstep our boundary and may cause us to gossip. Similarly, the Gemara in Yevamot describes that Na’omi taught Rut the Halachot of Techum Shabbat. Why does Naomi emphasize this Halacha? The Klei Chemdah explains that we each have to achieve our own goals and not to be concerned about others and their lives. Techum Shabbat teaches people to stay within their boundary and not worry about other people. This is the whole essence of Parashat BeMidbar. This is a book of numbers where every number counts, every individual lives in their own world, and every individual has worth. We each have our own path and unique journey to Har Sinai. We are a part of a nation; we are all together, but we each serve a different role in the Jewish people. There are 248 positive Mitzvot in the Torah corresponding to the 248 limbs of the body. Each of us represent a different limb and different body part. This is why the Gematriya of the word “BeMidbar” is 248, because as we lead to Kabbalat HaTorah, we each have our own path within the framework of Torah. As we approach the three days up until Kabbalat HaTorah, we need to be reminded that we each have unique and individual abilities as part of the Tzibbur.