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.
ב"ה
Nasso: Preparations for the Journey
Numbers 4:21–7:89
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First Reading: Numbers 4:21–28
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Second Reading: Numbers 4:29–49
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Daily Quote
Freedom of choice has been granted to every man: if he desires to turn toward a good path and be righteous, the ability to do so is in his hands; and if he desires to turn toward an evil path and be wicked, the ability to do so is in his hands...
This is a fundamental principle and a pillar of the Torah and its commandments. For if G-d were to decree that a person be righteous or wicked; or if there were to exist something in the very essence of a person's nature which would compel him toward a specific path, a specific conviction, a specific character trait or a specific deed... how could G-d command us through the prophets 'do this' and 'do not do that'...? What place would the entire Torah have? And by what measure of justice would G-d punish the wicked and reward the righteous?
This is a fundamental principle and a pillar of the Torah and its commandments. For if G-d were to decree that a person be righteous or wicked; or if there were to exist something in the very essence of a person's nature which would compel him toward a specific path, a specific conviction, a specific character trait or a specific deed... how could G-d command us through the prophets 'do this' and 'do not do that'...? What place would the entire Torah have? And by what measure of justice would G-d punish the wicked and reward the righteous?
–Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 5:1-3
The Parshah
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