by Rabbi Yaakov Menken We conclude the reading of Bamdibar
[Numbers] with the portion called "Masei", meaning travels or
journeys. This reading begins with an enumeration of the various
stops that Israel made between Egypt and the Land of Israel
during 40 years in the desert. Many commentators discuss why the
travels are all listed here, especially because the trips are
also recorded in the Torah at the appropriate places. Rashi
(Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) and the Ramban (Nachmanides) both offer
an interesting insight from the Medrash: this list displays
G-d's kindnesses Following of the episode of the spies, G-d
Decreed that Israel should wander for 40 years in the desert. A
pillar of cloud led them during the day, and a pillar of fire at
night, whenever G-d Commanded them to move. We might have a
mental image of a group forced to wander across the hot desert,
stumbling from place to place, offered little rest until, at
long last, the entire first generation had passed away after 40
years. Rashi demonstrates wi