The third section of the Book of Numbers begins as G‑d tells Moses to instruct Aaron how to kindle (Beha’alotecha, in Hebrew) the lamps of the Tabernacle’s Candelabrum. It continues with the final preparations for the Jewish people’s departure from Mount Sinai and the events that occurred at their first stops in the desert.
ב"ה
Behaalotecha: The Journey Begins
Numbers 8:1–12:16
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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; of 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; of 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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