Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Naso
But just what exactly does it mean?
The first section - Y’Varech’cha Hashem V’Yishm’recha – asks G-d to bless us with material success – which we acknowledge comes from Hashem & not from our own efforts - & that He should guard that wealth so that no one will take it away from us.
The 2nd section – Ya’er Hashem Panav Elecha Vi'y'chuneka – asks the Almighty to grant us Torah wisdom ("Ya'er" is related to the word "Or" – light, a metaphor for wisdom, as in "Torah Ora"), & that people should find favor with both our teachings & with us. (In other words, our wisdom should not cause us to become so arrogant that we are resented).
But the 3rd section - Yisa Hashem Panav Elecha V’Yasem L’Cha Shalom – is a bit more difficult to understand. The literal meaning, "May G-d lift up His face to you & grant you peace" requires some explanation.
I suggest that the meaning is this: When a person does not conduct himself properly, when he acts in a way that he, himself, knows is wrong, he is embarrassed & cannot face others. But when he does the right thing, he is proud of himself & can look others right in the eye. He can even hold his head up high before G-d. This, in turn, evokes a similar response from Hashem, who looks at him with pride & satisfaction. At that point, when his gaze meets that of his Maker, he is at Peace, for there is no greater peace than to feel that we are in consonance with the will of G-d.
And so these are the particular blessings we should have in mind when saying or hearing this bracha: Wealth, security, wisdom, humility, & a sense serenity that comes from knowing that we are doing the right thing.
"Shavuot" is generally translated as "weeks," as in 7 weeks after Chag HaPesach. But the word "Shavuot" can also means "vows," or "promises." The greatest promise we can make is the one we make to ourselves, that we will function as a Tzelem Elokim, a true reflection of Hashem’s qualities. If we do that, we will bring peace not only to ourselves, but to the entire world.
Kohanim - Conduit of Peaceful Communication
Parashat Naso
Rabbi Yossef Carmel | SIVAN 5766
Twelve Offerings
Rabbi Berel Wein zt"l | Sivan 8 5782
Two Versions of the Moral Life
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