PARSHAT NASO

Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89)

For the next few weeks, Israel and the rest of the world will be reading different Torah portions. This is the Torah portion for outside of Israel (Naso)

Torah Portion of the Week
Naso, Numbers 4:21 - 7:89

This week's portion includes further job instructions to the Levites,  Moshe is instructed to purify the camp in preparation for the dedication of the Mishkan, the Portable Sanctuary.

Then four laws relating to the Cohanim are given: 1) restitution for stolen property where the owner is deceased and has no next of kin -- goes to the Cohanim 2) If a man suspects his wife of being unfaithful, he brings her to the Cohanim for the Sotah clarification ceremony 3) if a person chooses to withdraw from the material world and consecrate himself exclusively to the service of the Almighty by becoming a Nazir (vowing not to drink wine or eat grape products, come in contact with dead bodies or cut his hair), he must come to the Cohen at the completion of the vow 4) the Cohanim were instructed to bless the people with this blessing: "May the L-rd bless you and keep you. May the L-rd make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the L-rd lift up His Countenance upon you and give you peace."

The Mishkan is erected and dedicated on the first of Nissan in the second year after the exodus. The leaders of each tribe jointly give wagons and oxen to transport the Mishkan. During each of the twelve days of dedication, successively each tribal prince gives gifts of gold and silver vessels, sacrificial animals and meal offerings. Every prince gives exactly the same gifts as every other prince.

Dvar Torah
based on Growth Through Torah by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

The Torah tells the Kohanim to bless the Jewish people. The blessing begins with "May the L-rd bless you and keep you." (Numbers 6:24) Why are the Jewish people blessed in the singular?

Rabbi Moshe Leib of Sassov explains that this is to teach us that the greatest blessing is that of unity. When we feel as if we are one unit, with togetherness, then we are truly blessed -- and we feel that blessing.

It is easy to focus on the differences among people and to consider yourself as separate from others. Truly no two people are exactly alike. However, there are many common factors among people. By focusing on the fact that every human being is created in the image of the Almighty, you will have greater identification with others and this will lead to greater unity.

Rabbi Kalman Packouz
Aish HaTorah