Saturday, June 7, 2008

This week's Parsha: Naso

This week's Parsha is the longest in the Torah, and it starts with a continuation of the Levite census and a discussion regarding their Tabernacle duties. The laws of the sotah woman and the Nazirite follow. The portion concludes with the Priestly Blessing and the offerings which the Tribal leaders brought in honor of the Tabernacle inauguration.

One interesting analysis can be found here - it states one of the most basic tenets of Judaism, and what has distinguished Jews from all other religions: G'd does not owes us anything - quite the contrary, it is our duty to be devoted to him, and to perfect the world. 

Another perspective, this coming from a Reform rabbi, can be found here. It argues that the two extremes depicted in this Parsha - the sotah (wayward woman) and the nazirite (extremely pious) have their humanity affirmed by the Priestly Benediction. 

You want my take ? Come to temple this Saturday... ;-)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

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