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Rishon
- The census and services of the Levite family of Gershon:
- Hashem commanded Moshe to count all the male members of the Gershon family who are between the ages of 30-50.
- The Gershon family’s job of carrying the tapestries: The Gershon family servicemen are to carry the tapestries of the Mishkan, the spread of the Ohel Moed and its Tachash leather cover that is on it and the screen of the entrance to the Ohel Moed. They are to carry the curtains of the courtyard and its entrance screen, the ropes and all their accessories.
- Ithamar the supervisor: Ithamar the son of Aaron was appointed to supervise their work.
📘 Rashi Q&A — Bamidbar 4:21–28 (Detailed‑Shrunk)
4:22 — Counting Gershon
Q1. What does “נָשָׂא… גַּם־הֵם” teach?
A: Gershon is counted exactly like Kehat → only those fit for carrying service, not everyone.
Q2. What is the purpose of this census?
A: To identify those qualified for transport duty of the Mishkan.
4:23 — Age Range
Q3. Who is counted?
A: Ages 30–50.
Q4. Why specifically these years?
A:
- At 30 → full strength begins
- At 50 → strength begins to decline
→ only prime strength used for carrying loads
4:24 — Nature of Service
Q5. What is Gershon’s עבודה?
A: Two parts:
- Serving (setup/handling)
- Carrying (transport)
4:25 — Interior Coverings
Q6. What are “יְרִיעֹת הַמִּשְׁכָּן”?
A: The 10 inner woven curtains of the Mishkan.
Q7. What is “אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד”?
A: The goat‑hair covering layer placed above those curtains.
Q8. What is “מִכְסֵהוּ”?
A: The outer covering of red‑dyed ram skins.
Q9. What is “מָסַךְ פֶּתַח”?
A: The front entrance curtain (eastern side).
4:26 — Courtyard Items
Q10. What does “אֲשֶׁר עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן” mean?
A: Items that surround and protect the Mishkan and Mizbeach →
- Courtyard curtains
- Screens enclosing the area
Q11. What are included in “כָּל אֲשֶׁר יֵעָשֶׂה לָהֶם”?
A: Anything assigned or handed over to Gershon for their עבודה.
4:27 — Authority Structure
Q12. How was Gershon’s עבודה managed?
A: Entirely by command of Aaron and his sons.
Q13. Which son had direct responsibility?
A: Itamar.
Q14. What does “וּפְקֻדַּת…מַשָּׂאָם” mean?
A: Each item was assigned clearly, so responsibility was precise.
4:28 — Summary of Gershon
Q15. What defines Gershon’s role overall?
A:
- Transport of all coverings and fabrics
- Work done under Itamar’s supervision
- Less dangerous than Kehat but still structured service