Revealing the depth of the concept and the preciousness of each Jew
Baal Shem Tov
Revealed the love for a simple Jew. Comparison to G-d’s Tefillin: hand-Tefillin (good deeds) precedes the head-Tefillin (scholars). Distinction based on knowledge, but if love G-d then love each Jew.
The Maggid
Included love for a complete Rasha. They say on High to love a Rasha gamur just as one loves a Tzadik gamur. Distinction based on good and bad, but love since the root of each Jew’s soul is a part of G-d.
The Alter Rebbe
Included love for great and small. Love among brothers. No distinction, since Jews are a singular entity; not loving another but love toward oneself.
לקוטי שיחות חלק ב'
Verses Said on nd of Sivan
Rashi’s Understanding
Three Countings in Parshas BeMidbar
Lessons in Spiritual Service
והייתם לי סגולה
Jews as a special treasure; separate from all other nations. Jews counted (not including the Leviim). Beginning of service is being chosen by HaShem.
ממלכת כהנים
שרים officer, ruler, leader. Guides the land, the surroundings. Tribe of Levi counted from one month old. Next service is within the permissible matters done for the sake of Heaven in a way of בכל דרכיך דעהו.
וגוי קדוש
Nation of “priests” serving HaShem. Counting among the Leviim fitting to carry the components of the Mishkan. Final service of learning Torah and keeping mitzvos; separated from the mundane.
לקוטי שיחות חלק יח
Sefiras HaOmer Classes of Jews בעבודת האדם
Types of Counting
מ"ט יום במספר ע"י בני ישראל (רוב) בנ"י קיים מצות ומעשים טובים קיום מצות (במספר) מנין בני ישראל שער נו"ן מלמעלה אבל בגדר המספר שבט לוי לשרתו ולהורות לימוד תורה Higher from limits but still in category מנין מטה לוי (לבדו) שער נו"ן בדרך מתנה כהן גדול מן המקדש לא יצא דביקות בה' (מסירת נפש) את מטה לוי לא תפקוד The Jews were divided into three groups: those counted by regular means (Yisrael); those counted by Divine announcement (Leviim); and Aharon (as Cohen Gadol) who was not counted לקוטי שיחות חלק לג
