This Week’s Torah Portion: B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (Numbers 8:1−12:16)
This week’s Torah Portion, B’haalot’cha, contains a description of the famous pillar of fire and pillar of cloud which led the people of Israel through the wilderness on their journey to the Promised Land.
“On the day that the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the Tabernacle, the Tent of the Pact; and in the evening it rested over the Tabernacle in the likeness of fire until morning.” (Numbers 9:15)
Wait a minute! Were there two pillars or just one? “A pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night,” or just one pillar that encompassed them both? An earlier passage from the Torah may shed some light on this question. When the Children of Israel were fleeing from Egypt it says:
“The pillar of cloud shifted from in front of them and took up a place behind them, and it came between the army of the Egyptians and the army of Israel. Thus there was the cloud with the darkness, and it illumined the night, so that the one could not come near the other all through the night.” (Exodus 14:19–20)
In this case, we seem to be faced with a pillar of cloud that operated like a pillar of fire, illuminating the night. Rashi, in his commentary, insists that the pillar of cloud remained during the night only this one time – at all other times each pillar had its distinct function.
However, if there was only one pillar – fire surrounded by cloud – then all this makes much better sense. During the day, we see the pillar of cloud, and during the night, the light of the fire shines through. And, there is a lesson on our relationship with God. The pillar is a symbol of God’s presence in our lives, in light and in darkness God is with us through it all.
Parsha B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ Torah Summary:
God speaks to Moses, describing the menorah for the Tent of Meeting. The Levites are appointed to serve as assistants under Aaron and his sons. (8:1-26)
Those who are unable to celebrate Passover during Nisan are given a time in the month of Sivan to observe a “second Passover.” (9:1-14)
A cloud by day and fire by night show God’s Presence over the Tabernacle. When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe. (9:15-10:36)
The Israelites complain about the lack of meat, and Moses becomes frustrated. God tells him to appoint a council of elders. God provides the people with meat and then strikes them with a very severe plague. (11:1-34)
Miriam and Aaron talk about the “Cushite woman” whom Moses has married. In addition, they complain that God speaks not only through Moses but also through them. Miriam is struck with leprosy, and Moses begs God to heal her. After her recovery, the people resume their journey. (12:1-16) B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ