“…Each man according to his flag… around the Ohel Moed they should camp.” (Bamidbar 2:2)
T
he Midrash states: When Hashem told Moshe to make flags, Moshe was worried this would cause machlokes among the Shevatim. Hashem answered that Bnei Yisrael already recognized this formation, as it was identical to the arrangement that Yaakov Avinu instructed his sons to use when they would carry him from Mitzrayim to burial in Mearas Hamachpeilah.
The Midrash adds that this formation mirrors that of the administering angels encamped around the Shechinah. Thus, this formation was a lofty one, intended to ensure that the Shechinah dwelled among Bnei Yisrael as well.
Still, as the Ohr Yahel points out, there’s a fundamental difference between angels and men. Angels feel no hatred or jealousy toward each other, accepting that each has an individual purpose in serving Hashem. Men, however, contend with differences in mannerisms and temperaments, and it’s almost impossible for them to connect this way. So there’s room to wonder why the flags didn’t cause discord among the Shevatim (Rabbi Eli Meyer Smith).
This past month is a time in Israel that should be dubbed Flag Days. Due to the many legal days commemorating Israel’s development and history, many Israelis drive around with flags flying out of every window on their cars, and flags hang from porches and rooftops. Israelis like displaying their flag, and I’ve seen more blue-and-whites here in a year than I saw my whole life growing up with Old Glory.
It’s remarkable that despite the fact that the Shevatim were now separating into separate camps, this didn’t cause the discord Moshe feared. Instead, it actually led to great glory and honor for the nation. The Midrash says that Pharaoh was amazed when he saw the camp formations and how former slaves were acting in such a royal manner.
One year we jumped onto the flag-wagon. I’d been in the States that summer and had seen American flags for sale. In a spirit of v’nahafoch hu, I bought them to decorate our car windows for Purim.
Purim day, the kids were tickled pink (or red, white, and blue) as we drove around the streets of our small town. People who knew us gave us the thumbs-up, laughing at the public display of our status as chutznikim.
But there were others, strangers, some drunk, some sober, whose reactions showed us that patriotism doesn’t have borders when it comes to Jewish nationalism.
