(When You Raise (the Lamps))
Next Reading
Torah Reading
Numbers 8:1 - 12:16
Haftarah
Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7
In this Torah portion, the Israelites receive instructions regarding Passover. They journey forth from Sinai and complain to God on several occasions, provoking God’s anger. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses.
Featured Commentary
One word in this portion means both “wind” and “spirit” — and the duality is striking.
Leaving Egypt was a change. Leaving slavery is a transition.
This week's portion reminds us of our sacred obligations to those who are still languishing in oppression.
The sound of the shofar can mobilize us and help us consider the path ahead.
Of "Second Passover," Rabbi Akiva and adult bat mitzvahs.
The verses recited when the ark (and today the Torah) was carried remind us of our own restless wanderings.
Being constantly engaged in learning allows us to guard against the pervasive forgetfulness around us.
The specific complaints of the Israelites in the wilderness illustrate their inability to develop mature, adult relationships.
Parashat Beha'alotcha illustrates three paths of achieving meaning in life.
The closer we are to God, the more we are able to put our cravings into perspective.
Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses, and Miriam's punishment of leprosy teach lessons of sibling and communal responsibility.
The Rabbinic and Hasidic understandings of gossip focus on the impossibility of repairing the damage it causes.
The Israelites' troubles, and indeed our own troubles, begin when we turn away from God.
It's important to encourage a child's natural ability and his or her own way of discovering the world.
An important part of being content is to stop comparing ourselves to others.
Beha'alotcha: A resource for families.
The Israelites receive instructions regarding Passover, journey forth from Sinai and complain to God on several occasions.
