NASSO
30 May 2009
Numbers 4:21-7:89
Judges 13:2-25
Acts 21:17-25
Our Portion includes further job instructions to the
Levites. Moshe was instructed to purify the Mishkan, the portable
sanctuary. Four laws relating to the Cohanim are given. The restitution
for stolen property, where the owner is deceased and has no next of kin,
goes to the Cohanim
If a man suspects his wife of being unfaithful, he brings
her to the Cohanim for the Sotah, clarification ceremony.
If a person chooses to withdraw from the material world and
consecrate himself exclusively to the service of the Lord by becoming a
Nazir, he vows to not drink wine or eat grape products, may not come
in contact with dead bodies and may not cut his hair. He must come to the
Cohen at the completion of the vow.
The Cohanim were instructed to bless the people with this
blessing, “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His
face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift 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
gave wagons and oxen to transport the Mishkan. During each of the twelve
days of dedication, successively, each tribal prince (leader) gives gifts
of gold and silver vessels, sacrificial animals and meal offerings. Every
prince gives exactly the same gifts as every other prince.
In the priestly blessing, from Numbers 6:25, it states,
“The Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto you.”
How can G-d keep and guard a people who sin against Him? The Hebrew word
Chanan, which translates into the English word gracious, tells us
that G-d shows favor. In the Brit Hadashah the Greek word translates to
unconditional forgiveness.
In the book of Hosea, G-d gives us a great illustration of
unconditional love and forgiveness. The story is about the prophet and the
troubles he has with his wife, Gomer. It really is a message about the
state of the spiritual condition of the nation of Israel as well as the
state of the nations who have strayed away from the one and only G-d of
the universe. Still we see that G-d is in the business of forgiveness and
always grants favor, love, and forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7 tells us that we
have redemption and forgiveness according to the riches of His grace, or
as the Hebrew word translates it, His favor.
The Aaronic blessing finishes with Aaron being told to
place G-d's name upon the children of Israel (Numbers 6:27). With this
benediction, the Priests place the sacred name of G-d into the hearts and
minds of His people. This results in a blessing upon the nation. When G-d
puts His name upon us, it is as if he wants us to fully identify with him.
It is also a sign that we belong to Him. He is telling us that He is not
ashamed to have us as His people, bearing His name throughout all the
earth.
We have a great blessing and responsibility bearing His
name to all the nations. Be proud, do not doubt His love and favor.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
Also Read Holiday Reading "Shavuot"
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