NASSO

Red white and green

In Parshas Naso, the Torah requires the banishing of a metzora from the camp. Chazal understand this to mean that he is not permitted to be within any city that was walled from the time of Yehoshua (Keilim 1:7).

Nasso: How the Rambam Views Nazirism

Conversion and the Giving of the Torah

Bitterness or Bracha – Choose!

We complain about the conditions of the desert; the lack of water; the shortage of meat; the taste of the miraculous Mahn. Even Miriam & Ahron get into the act when they complain to Moshe about his neglecting his wife Tzipora. We find fault with everyone & everything.

Twelve Offerings

The overwhelming number of interpretations concentrate on the idea that even though the offerings may physically have been identical, the spirit and motivation of each differed from individual to individual, and tribe to tribe.

The Role of the Levites in Israeli Society

The Torah reading of this week continues with the count of the different families within the tribe of Levi. We are aware that this tribe has been chosen for public service in the Temple and, generally, on behalf of the Jewish people. They do not own land, and their financial support is based upon the tithe that the Jewish people contributed from their produce.

Two Versions of the Moral Life

Is a Nazirite positive or negative? Or maybe it's both of them?

Who's In Control?

Three diverse subjects combine in our Parsha: The Sota, the Nazir & Birkat Kohanim. Plus Shavuot this week. Is there a connection between all of them?

Migdal Eider, the First Yeshiva in Gush Etzion

The prophet Micha prophesized about a rejuvenation of the nation in Eretz Yisrael, boding good things for Zion and for a nearby place called Migdal Eider.

Our Arms Vs. Their Arms

One of the most ancient, & certainly one of the most beautiful prayers in the Jewish liturgy is the Birkat Kohanim. In just 15 words, Hashem - via the Kohanim - promises us knowledge, wealth, security, Peace & an eternal relationship with Him. What more could anyone ask for?

IDF Draft Age...In The Torah!

What Parshat Nasso has to say about the army draft age for men and the effects of applying the same line of thinking to the IDF today.

The Politics of Envy

Few things in the Torah are more revolutionary than its conception of leadership. Not just kings but all of us, regardless of colour, culture, class or creed, are in the image and likeness of God.

Whose Blessing?

Birkat Kohanim was on “the day that Moshe completed to erect the Mishkan”, which was the 1st of Nisan, which is also called “the eighth day” of the inauguration of the Mishkan. On this day, Aharon lifted his hands and blessed the people.

Birkas Kohanim

Why is the bracha for duchening so different from all the other brochos we recite before we perform mitzvos? If a kohein is suffering from laryngitis, how does he fulfill the mitzvah of Birkas Kohanim? If the chazzan is a kohein, may he duchen?

Levites - an Elite Group

The Levites serve at special functions in the Temple service and are worthy guardians who maintain the physical aspects of the Temple, as well as the talented artists who provided song and melody during the Temple services.

An Open-ended Celebration

Of all the holidays of the Jewish calendar year, Shavuot is the shortest – celebrated only for one day. Many times, this holiday somehow leaves people feeling unfulfilled by what they had hoped to be a spiritual and joyful experience.

Birkas Kohanim

IDF Draft Age...In The Torah!

Israel National Torah

In this week's Torah reading of "Naso", we finish the censuses. For military service, the Torah counts from age 20, and for Temple service, the Torah counts from age 30. Why is there a difference?

Yehuda and Dan – Who Leads and to Where?