Naso (Numbers 4:21−7:89)
This Week’s Torah Portion: Naso – נָשֹׂא (Numbers 4:21−7:89)
Sometimes the cycle of the reading of the Torah seems divinely inspired in its timeliness and hope. This week as the first rays of hope shine forth for a cease fire and an end to the violence which has gripped the Land of Israel, we read from the Torah our most famous prayer for peace, the Priestly Blessing:
יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהֹוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ׃
יָאֵר יְהֹוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ׃
יִשָּׂא יְהֹוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם׃
May God bless you and keep you from harm.
May God’s face shine upon you and favor you.
May God’s face be lifted unto you and grant you peace.
A blessing is an expression of hope, and while hopes may begin by giving them words, peace can only come when we do the work of peace ourselves. May we become partners with God in the building of a world of peace.