Parashat Bamidbar “In the Desert”
By Tiffany Harris, Chief Program Officer
Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash
Parashat Bamidbar, set against the backdrop of the Israelites’ encampment in the wilderness of the Sinai desert (in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt), touches on a lot of interesting themes, but what popped out to me during this read was its insights into community and leadership. This is a transitional phase for the Israelites, where they are organizing themselves into a structured community. The parashah outlines the arrangement of tribes around the Tabernacle and the roles and responsibilities within the community.
The structure that provided the Israelites with a sense of belonging and purpose reminded me of my time as a Resident. I had just moved to Washington, DC. I didn’t know anyone and wanted to lead and be a part of the community, but I didn’t know where or how to start. Moving into the Moishe House and becoming a community builder was a transformative experience, where I was able to foster a cohesive, supportive, and fun community with my fellow Residents. We’re still close friends, and that was nearly ten years ago. Today, the environment our Community Builders serve in is more complex, and the communities’ needs are different. Like the Israelites who prepared themselves in the desert, we’re focused on changing and growing alongside our community builders and the participants we serve, and my hope is that you will continue this journey to serve and lead within and beyond our Jewish community, ensuring the relevance and vibrancy of what we’re building together through the proverbial desert and from generation to generation.
