Naso Commentary

Inspired by the priestly benediction.

Those who link themselves with God and the people of Israel will indeed be blessed.

Numbers 4:21-7:89

The priestly blessing with which parents bless their children on Shabbat gives parents an opportunity to partner with God in shaping Jewish history and ensuring continuity.

The biblical approach stands in sharp contrast to American federal sentencing guidelines.

A midrash on the Sotah ritual emphasizes the lengths to which we go to bring peace between spouses.

God describes the service of the Gershon family of Levites; laws relating to the suspected adulteress and the nazirite are given; God tells Moses and Aaron the priestly blessing; the heads of tribes bring gifts to the Tabernacle.

By asking the priests to bless the people, God gives them an opportunity to serve as role models of caring for the people.

The duty of the Levites to accompany the Tabernacle service with music and song reminds us to serve God with joy.

The nazirite exemplifies actively choosing a sacred status with a higher level of responsibility.