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Naso II – II נָשֹׂא (Numbers 6:1-7:89)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Naso II – II נָשֹׂא (Numbers 6:1-7:89)

“May Adonai’s Face be lifted toward you, and may God grant you Shalom; wholeness, wellness, and peace” (Numbers 6:26). 

The ending line of the Priestly Benediction shows us God’s hope for us, that we may open ourselves up to the possibility of finding and pursuing shalom in our lives. This Shabbat, may the words of this blessing inspire us to live full lives, finding what brings each of us joy and wholeness. 

Parsha Naso I – I נָשֹׂא Torah Summary:

A census of the Gershonites, Merarites, and Koathites between the ages of thirty and fifty is conducted and their duties in the Tabernacle are detailed. (4:21-49) God speaks to Moses concerning what to do with ritually unclean people, repentant individuals, and those who are suspected of adultery. (5:1-31) Naso I – I נָשֹׂא

Parsha Naso II – II נָשֹׂא Torah Summary:

The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: If any men or women explicitly utter a nazirite’s vow, to set themselves apart for the Eternal, they shall abstain from wine and any other intoxicant.” – Numbers 6:1-2.

Naso I – I נָשֹׂא (Numbers 4:21-5:31)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Naso – נָשֹׂא (Numbers 4:21-5:31)

The blessing we are told to bless each other and our children is:

“GOD bless you and protect you!
GOD’s face will shine upon you and deal graciously with you!
GOD’s face will lift towards you and grant you Shalom!” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Amen to that!

Parsha Naso – נָשֹׂא Torah Summary:

A census of the Gershonites, Merarites, and Koathites between the ages of thirty and fifty is conducted and their duties in the Tabernacle are detailed. (4:21-49) God speaks to Moses concerning what to do with ritually unclean people, repentant individuals, and those who are suspected of adultery. (5:1-31) The obligations of a nazirite vow are explained. They include abstaining from alcohol and not cutting one’s hair. (6:1-21) God tells Moses how to teach Aaron and his sons the Priestly Blessing. (6:22-27) Moses consecrates the Sanctuary, and the tribal chieftains bring offerings. Moses then speaks with God inside the Tent of Meeting. (7:1-89) Naso – נָשֹׂא The blessing we are told to bless each other and our children is: “GOD bless you and protect you! GOD’s face will shine upon you and deal graciously with you! GOD’s face will lift towards you and grant you Shalom!” (Numbers 6:24-26) Amen to that!

B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר (Numbers 1:1−4:20)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר (Numbers 1:1−4:20)

“And I will espouse you forever:
I will espouse you with righteousness and justice,
And with lovingkindness, caring and mercy” (Hosea 2:21 – Haftarah)

The relationship between God and us is like marriage based first and foremost on Lovingkindness, caring, compassion and mercy.

Parsha B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר Torah Summary:

God commands Moses to take a census of all the Israelite males over the age of twenty. (1:1-46) The duties of the Levites, who are not included in the census, are detailed. (1:47-51) Each tribe is assigned specific places in the camp around the Tabernacle. (1:52-2:34) The sons of Levi are counted and their responsibilities are set forth. (3:1-3:39) A census of the firstborn males is taken and a special redemption tax is levied on them. (3:40-51) God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the responsibilities of Aaron and his sons, and the duties assigned to the Kohathites. (4:1-20) B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר “And I will espouse you forever: I will espouse you with righteousness and justice, And with lovingkindness, caring and mercy” (Hosea 2:21 – Haftarah) The relationship between God and us is like marriage based first and foremost on Lovingkindness, caring, compassion and mercy.

B’har – B’chukotai – בְּהַר – בְּחֻקֹּתי (Leviticus 25:1-27:34)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: B’har – B’chukotai – בְּהַר – בְּחֻקֹּתי (Leviticus 25:1-27:34)

“O great and mighty God whose name is GOD of Hosts” (Jeremiah 32:18 – this week’s Haftarah).

This is very weird. Jeremiah misquotes the Torah, and instead of saying “The great mighty and awesome God” Jeremiah omits Awesome. Why? Because God hates lies, and in a time of exile and destruction, when the world is a mess, you do not describe God as all powerful.

Parsha B’har – B’chukotai – בְּהַר – בְּחֻקֹּתי Torah Summary:

God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites that in every seventh year, the land shall observe a Sabbath of complete rest: Fields should not be sown and vines should not be pruned. (25:1-7) After forty-nine years, a jubilee year is to be celebrated when all the land that had been sold during that time should be returned to its original owners and slaves are to be freed. (25:8-55) God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites not to make idols, to keep the sabbath, and to venerate the sanctuary of the Eternal. (26:1-2) God promises blessings to the Children of Israel if they follow the law and warns about the curses that will befall the people if they do not observe God’s commandments. (26:1-46) Gifts made to the Sanctuary whether by conditional vows or by unconditional acts of pious gratitude are discussed. (27:1-34) B’har – B’chukotai – בְּהַר – בְּחֻקֹּתי “O great and mighty God whose name is GOD of Hosts” (Jeremiah 32:18 – this week’s Haftarah). This is very weird. Jeremiah misquotes the Torah, and instead of saying “The great mighty and awesome God” Jeremiah omits Awesome. Why? Because God hates lies, and in a time of exile and destruction, when the world is a mess, you do not describe God as all powerful.

Emor – אֱמֹר (Leviticus 21:1−24:23)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Emor – אֱמֹר (Leviticus 21:1−24:23)

“Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The injury inflicted on a human being shall be inflicted in return” Leviticus 24:20

This looks so primitive; however, it has a profound message. Human beings are created in God’s image. Hurting them is like hurting the image of God. And thus, a severe punishment that fits the crime. The rabbis will change it and forbid physical punishment.

Parsha Emor – אֱמֹר Torah Summary:

Laws regulating the lives and sacrifices of the priests are presented. (21:1-22:33) The set times of the Jewish calendar are named and described: the Sabbath, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Pilgrimage Festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. (23:1-44) God commands the Israelites to bring clear olive oil for lighting the sanctuary menorah. The ingredients and placement of the displayed loaves of sanctuary bread are explained. (24:1-9) Laws dealing with profanity, murder, and the maiming of others are outlined. (24:10-23) Emor – אֱמֹר “Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The injury inflicted on a human being shall be inflicted in return” Leviticus 24:20 This looks so primitive; however, it has a profound message. Human beings are created in God’s image. Hurting them is like hurting the image of God. And thus, a severe punishment that fits the crime. The rabbis will change it and forbid physical punishment.