In the Portion of Naso it starts by telling to count the sons of Gershon. My question is why was this told in this portion, when his brothers were counted in the previous portion. Why weren’t they all counted together in the same Parsha if they are from the same family?
Hi! This is a great question! It has bothered me for many years. It’s especially bothersome because I think the same question recurs three times. Before verse 3(27), there is a break (space) in the Torah, dividing Gershon on one side from Kehos and Merari on the other. You’ve pointed out the break in the Torah provided by the end of the parsha, dividing Kehos on one side from Gershon and Merari on the other. Immediately following that, verse 4(34) begins with the actual count of the Levites above age 30, without any break at all. First Kehos is counted. Then there’s a break, which divides Kehos from the counting of other two groups again! It’s a really tough question. I’m seeing if I can find anything out, but I wanted to get back to you first. Please let me know if you come up with anything.
Best wishes,
Michoel Reach