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.
Nasso: Preparations for the Journey
Numbers 4:21–7:89
|
First Reading: Numbers 4:21–28
|
|
Second Reading: Numbers 4:29–49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daily Quote
The etrog has both a taste and an aroma; so, too, do the people of Israel include individuals who have both Torah learning and good deeds.... The date (the fruit of the lulav) has a taste but does not have an aroma; so, too, do the people of Israel include individuals who have Torah but do not have good deeds.... The hadas (myrtle) has an aroma but not a taste; so, too, do the people of Israel include individuals who have good deeds but do not have Torah.... The aravah (willow) has no taste and no aroma; so, too, do the people of Israel include individuals who do not have Torah and do not have good deeds.... Says G-d: "Let them all bond together in one bundle and atone for each other."
–Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra 30:11
The Parshah
Start a Discussion