ב"ה
Nasso: Preparations for the Journey
Numbers 4:21–7:89
In the second section of the Book of Numbers, the narrative begins as G‑d instructs Moses to complete his count (Naso, in Hebrew) of the Levite clans. The Torah then records certain laws pertaining to the purification process that the Jews needed to undergo before setting out from Mount Sinai toward the Land of Israel. Finally, the Torah records the offerings that the tribal princes donated on the day the Tabernacle was erected and began to function. Their offerings emphasized how the Jewish people’s upcoming journey through the desert – as well as each individual’s journey through life, to fulfill his or her Divine mission – must be both an individual and collective experience.
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Daily Quote
Nine Red Heifers were prepared from the time that the Jewish people were
commanded this mitzvah until the Second Temple was destroyed. The first was
prepared by Moses, the second by Ezra, and another seven were prepared from Ezra
until the Temple's destruction. The tenth Heifer will be prepared by Moshiach,
may he speedily be revealed, Amen, may it so be the will of G-d.
–Mishneh Torah, Laws of the Red Heifer 3:4
The Parshah
