1. The Encampment at Har Sinai and the Start of the Journeys
The journeys of the Jewish people in the desert begin after a significant period encamped at Har Sinai—Mount Sinai. As Rashi points out, Bnei Yisroel arrived at Har Sinai on Rosh Chodesh Sivan—the first day of Sivan. They remained there for almost a full year. In this week’s parsha, we read that in the second year, on the twentieth day of the second month (Chof Iyar), the cloud lifted from above the Mishkan, signaling that it was time to move on. This moment was just ten days short of a complete year since their arrival at Har Sinai. The Torah describes how this journey began and details the order and structure of their travels.2. Structure of the Camp: Inner and Outer Circles
The encampment around the Mishkan was highly organized, consisting of two main circles. The inner circle was formed by the Leviim—the three families of Levi stationed on three sides, with Moshe and his sons positioned at the front. Surrounding them was an outer circle made up of four different degalim—banners or camps—each representing three tribes, totaling twelve tribes encircling the Mishkan. This arrangement ensured both order and protection for the Mishkan at all times.3. The Order of Travel: Who Went First and Last?
When it came time to travel, each group would move in a specific sequence. One banner would set out first, followed by another, then another family or group, and so forth. The last to journey was always Machaneh Don—the camp of Dan. This is highlighted in this week’s parsha where Machaneh Don is called ma’asef lechol ha-machanos—the gatherer for all the camps.4. The Role of Machaneh Don as Gatherers
The Torah refers to Machaneh Don as those who gathered for all the tribes because they traveled last. Their job was to collect any items lost by other tribes during travel and return them to their owners. However, this raises a question: geographically, Machaneh Don was positioned on the north side (the left if facing east), not directly behind everyone else. In fact, Bnei Efraim were actually situated behind Machaneh Don in the formation.5. Questions on Dan’s Position and Function
It seems more logical that Bnei Efraim, being in the rear position when facing east, should have been responsible for gathering lost items as they would naturally be last in line. Rashi addresses this issue by noting that Machaneh Don had more people than other groups, which may have contributed to their role as gatherers—it simply took them longer to get organized before moving out.6. Two Opinions on How Bnei Yisroel Traveled
Rashi brings two opinions regarding how Bnei Yisroel actually traveled: First, according to one view, they maintained their box-like formation from camp even while traveling—meaning Machaneh Don remained on the north side rather than directly behind everyone else. If so, it becomes difficult to understand how they could effectively gather lost items from all other camps. Second, another opinion holds that when traveling, they moved in a straight line like a beam rather than maintaining their encampment formation. In this scenario, Machaneh Don would indeed be at the very back of all travelers and could easily pick up anything dropped by those ahead.7. Reconciling Dan’s Role with Both Views
According to Rashi’s first explanation—if they traveled as they camped (in a box), we must say that although Machaneh Don started on the side (north), they somehow maneuvered to take up position at the rear during travel so they could fulfill their role as gatherers. According to Rashi’s second explanation—if they traveled in a straight line—Machaneh Don naturally brought up the rear and could easily collect anything left behind by those ahead without needing to change position. This dual approach explains how Machaneh Don earned its title as ma’asef lechol ha-machanos, regardless of which method Bnei Yisroel used when traveling through the desert.