Bamidbar 5785: The Book of Mistakes

Why did Rav Shlomo Carlebach call Sefer Bamidbar “The Book of Mistakes”?

Join Rav Shlomo Katz as he reflects on the teachings of Even Shlomo, the Torah of Rav Shlomo Carlebach, revealing how Bamidbar is not just a book of wandering, but a book of becoming. From Moshe Rabbeinu’s failure to enter Eretz Yisrael to the downfall of the meraglim (spies), we learn that failure isn’t the end. It’s part of the path.

As Rav Shlomo Carlebach writes, “The higher the goal, the more you’re going to fall on the way.” Rav Shlomo Katz brings these words to life, especially as we prepare for Shavuot, reminding us that Torah was given in the desert because only those who know they’re lost can truly hold on to it.

In this shiur:

Why Bamidbar is the “Book of Mistakes”

The inner Torah of failure, growth, and humility

Why even Moshe Rabbeinu’s failures matter—and how they teach us to keep going

How to spiritually prepare for Matan Torah when you feel unworthy

This teaching is from Even Shlomo on Sefer Bamidbar, the collected Torah of Rav Shlomo Carlebach, with live commentary and reflection by Rav Shlomo Katz.