Chelek 33, Bamidbar 2

 

When in the desert the Yidden did stay,

They camped in a specific way.

The Mishkan was in the center surrounded by the tribe of Levi,

Surrounding them on each side there were tribes three.

The tribes of Reuven, Shimon and Gad camped on the Southern side,

Reuven was the leading tribe and their flag shone with pride.

However, “Woe to the wicked and woe to his neighbor,” our Sages say,

Their neighbor Koach, influenced them in a negative way.

There are three opinions about the impact that Korach did make,

When he fought against Moshe, oh what a mistake.

The Midrash Tanchuma does state,

That only to punishment the influence did relate.

“They perished together with him in his dispute,” it was Korach's fight only,

But people from the tribes of Reuven, Shimon and Gad were affected externally.

They were dragged into the punishment because they were around,

When the earth opened they were swallowed by the ground.

Rashi says, “Dassan, Aviram and 250 men,

Were drawn into the dispute together with them.” 

Their behavior changed and they acted badly,

The tribe of Reuven was affected internally.

Bamidbar Rabba's opinion is the most acute,

The tribes of “Reuven, Shimon and Gad were also considered inciters of dispute.”

With Korach they shared a connection,

Korach revealed their negative characteristics that were hidden.

The influence of neighbors we did explore,

It can be external, internal or it can reveal the core!

In Halacha we see this more,

With regards to Tzaraas which we can't ignore.

There are three opinions about,

What a person's obligation is when he finds out,

That on a stone of his neighbor's wall Tzaraas did appear,

The first opinion is that to help remove and replace the stone he must do his share.

The second opinion is a far greater obligation,

If the Tzaraas is on the cornerstone which for both homes is the foundation,

Although on his part of the cornerstone Tzaraas he doesn't see,

The cornerstone must be removed completely.

In this case the influence is much stronger,

He is no longer just an outsider.

His home is affected too,

He is affected internally, it's true.

The third opinion is most severe,

If his neighbor finds Tzaraas on his wall, the problem he does share.

All his stones that are opposite his neighbor's stones that are infected,

Must be removed because with his neighbor he is deeply connected.

The first lesson is to check out your neighbors before you move,

A good influence is much greater than a bad influence our sages prove.

From Moshe and Aharon's neighbors there are three versions that show,

How far the positive influence on the tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun did go.

Tanchuma says: “Good fortune to the righteous and good fortune to his neighbor.”

The word fortune has a connotation of praise, reward and Hashem finding favor.

When a person has a neighbor who is as righteous as can be,

The reward will overflow and he will be rewarded externally.

Although the Tanchuma's approach is that the influence is only external,

When it comes to a positive influence he holds that the influence is also internal.

Not only did they benefit externally but the Tanchuma says clearly,

That the tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun all became great in Torah study.

Rashi is precise, “Good to the righteous and good to his neighbor,”

Good implies a change for the good in nature and behavior.

Not only will reward and goodness come,

But good learners, the tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun did become.

With regards to “Good to the righteous and good to the neighbor,"

From Rashi we also see that a good influence is greater.

Rashi minimizes the bad influence as much as he could,

And shows how much more powerful is a measure of good.

“Neighboring them was the division of Reuven,” only Reuven he does mention,

Only Dassan, Aviram and the 250 caused fighting and division.

Shimon and Gad, Rashi does omit,

Because there is no proof that the crime they did commit.

In contrast, Moshe and Aharon camped on the east, where the sun does rise,

Rashi lists all 3 neighboring tribes because they all gained from neighbors so wise.

“Neighboring them was the division of the camp of Yehuda,

Yissachar and Zevulun camped with them… they too became great in Torah!”

The Bamidbar Rabba takes it a step further,

“Fortunate is the righteous man and fortunate is his neighbor.”

The good fortune is an inherent quality,

Shared by both equally.

The entire time,

The light in Yehuda, Yissachar and Zevulun did shine.

“They were all fit to be great in Torah study,”

Being neighbors with Moshe and Aharon brought it out openly.

“Woe to the wicked and woe to his neighbor” doesn't just relate,

To the effect that neighbors have on each other which is truly great,

But the way to prevent being involved in an argument,

Is through Torah involvement.

Good to the righteous and good to his neighbor,” sounds great,

It doesn't just apply to the neighbor on the other side of the gate.

The way for our Torah study to be top rate,

Is when from disputes we separate,

To negate disputes there is a plan,

When we are a neighbor of a righteous man,

And his Torah teachings we study,

We will bring about peace, unity and the coming of Moshiach speedily.