In English, the fourth book of the Torah is Numbers, named for the census taken at the opening of the book. But in Hebrew, the book is Bamidbar, “In the Wilderness.” The word “wilderness” can connote desolation, loneliness, and danger. It can also connote freedom, connection and inspiration. Perhaps every one of us has encountered each of these during wilderness experiences.
It is not a coincidence that Moses meets God at a bush in the wilderness, nor that he receives the Torah on a mountaintop. Nor that the Israelites – and all of us, since we are considered to have been there in spirit as well – received the Torah at the base of that mountain. Forests, mountains, and other undeveloped places offer a spaciousness where we can find new learning, guidance, and insight.
Nighttime also offers some of these qualities, and maybe that is why Shavuot, our celebration of receiving the Torah, is celebrated with a nighttime study session. I am excited to celebrate and learn together next Thursday night as Jews all over the world receive Torah anew. See below and see you then!
Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20): Torah Reading May 16: Wilderness as Learning Space
May 14, 2026 by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller • D'var Torah
In English, the fourth book of the Torah is Numbers, named for the census taken at the opening of the book. But in Hebrew, the book is Bamidbar, “In the Wilderness.” The word “wilderness” can connote desolation, loneliness, and danger. It can also connote freedom, connection and inspiration. Perhaps every one of us has encountered each of these during wilderness experiences.
It is not a coincidence that Moses meets God at a bush in the wilderness, nor that he receives the Torah on a mountaintop. Nor that the Israelites – and all of us, since we are considered to have been there in spirit as well – received the Torah at the base of that mountain. Forests, mountains, and other undeveloped places offer a spaciousness where we can find new learning, guidance, and insight.
Nighttime also offers some of these qualities, and maybe that is why Shavuot, our celebration of receiving the Torah, is celebrated with a nighttime study session. I am excited to celebrate and learn together next Thursday night as Jews all over the world receive Torah anew. See below and see you then!