PARSHAS NASO & SHAVUOT, Numbers 4:21–7:89

PARSHAS NASO & SHAVUOT

Numbers 4:21–7:89

This Shabbat we read Parshat Naso.
Naso is the lengthiest parshah in the Torah. It has 176 verses.
Psalm 119 also has exactly 176 verses. It is the longest Psalm.
Incredibly the longest tractate of the Talmud, tractate Bava Batra has 176 pages...go figure.
Portions of the Parshah are also read during the eight days of Chanukah.

Among other things the Parshah addresses duties of the Levite families, purifying the camp, restitution for wrongs committed, the Nazirite, the Priestly Blessing, and the consecration of the Tabernacle.

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In discussing this week’s parsha, Naso, Rabbi Berel Wein writes about the importance of melody.  I have paraphrased some of his words:

The Torah tells us that the Levites had many duties in regard to the Mishkan.  The Levites were in charge of the melodious atmosphere that attended the daily service.  Each day, including the Sabbath and the holidays, there was a performance of instrumental and choir music. The Levite musical presentation was part of the glory of the Mishkan and later the Temple service and highlighted the emotional constituent of the service itself.

https://youtu.be/--UABwqW9Sg

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In this week’s parsha, at 7:89, the concluding verse has Hashem speaking Moshe in the midst of the two human-like Cherubs.

There are special individuals amongst us, who because of their heightened awareness, lofty Neshama and good fortune are able to connect to the Divine.

If you know someone like that, follow them and never let them go.

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I'm getting ready for Shavuos. For me the dairy foods are a killer. I'm talking the about the store bought cheesecake and the homemade eggplant parmigiana, macaroni (organic) and cheese with fried cabbage and onions, and the potato knishes.

I did 80 minutes on the treadmill this morning at a fairly good clip for me, trying to forestall the inevitable belly bulge; I know it's hopeless, but what can you do.

Have a joyous Chag (burp!).

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My friend Max from Nahariya  has come up with a quiz that relates to this week's Parshah, Naso.  Attached are his questions.  Do your best.  Answers are at the end of this post.

1 -Name the three Israeli camps in the Bamidbar?
2-Who was send out of each of the Camps?
3-Who determines which Kohen receives gifts for the Kohanim?
4-What sin does the Nazir commit against himself?
5-Where was the cut hair of the Nazir placed after completing his term?
6-When did the Sotah-Waters lose their miraculous power?
7-Why Parashas Nazir written next to Birkat Kohanim?
8-Who was  a Nazir , but become a Rasha anyway?
9-Why don't Kohanim give Birkat Kohanim during Mincha?
10-What happen to the Sotah's Adulterer while she is executed ?
11-Why must a Nazir not cut his hair during his term?
12-From where did we merit the Birkat Kihanim for Peace?
13-How many Korbanos did Shlomo Sacrifice at the Temple Dedication ?
14-How many Korbanos were sacrificed on the Mizbeiyach annually ?
15-Why a person with a nightmare pray about it during Birkat Kohanim?
16-What happens to innocent women who were falsely Sotah accused?
17-How long was Schmuel HANAVI a Nazir?
18-How long would it take to become a Nazir?
19-Can one become a Nazir outside Eretz Yisroel?
20-Name 10 persons in Tanach that lost all because of bad desires?

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At 6:23-27 the Priestly Blessing, ברכת כהנים is given.

It is not the Kohanim who are giving the Blessing. 

They are merely invoking or entreating Hashem to give us His blessing:

יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ

"May Hashem bless you and guard you."

In our service, before the Priestly Blessing is given, the Kohanim state that they are commanded to give it with love.

https://youtu.be/TmZGRJlnZ6E

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The Haftorah portion for Parshat Naso is taken from the Book of Judges, Chapter 13.  It is the story of Samson’s parents, his father Manoach and his unnamed mother.  It is clear from the text that Samson’s mother has it all over his father in terms of spirituality and maybe intelligence:

An Angel appears to Samson’s mother twice before appearing to Manoach.

She recognizes Him as an Angel, not so Manoach, who has limited spiritual insight.

When Manoach finally realizes that it is an Angel, he is terrified, but not so Samson‘s Mother. She remains calm.

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MAX’S PARSHAT NASO QUIZ

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Max has come up with a quiz that relates to this week's Parshah, Naso . Attached are his questions and answers.  How did you do?  Maybe you have to study more; I do.

1 -Name the three Israeli camps in the Bamidbar?

THE SHECHINAH CAMP IN THE CENTER

SURROUNDED BY THE LEVIIM

SURROUNDED BY THE CAMP OF ISRAEL

2-Who was send out of each of the Camps?

METZORA FROM ALL 3-CAMPS

ZAV FROM THE 2-INNER CAMPS

TAMEI FROM CONTACT WITH THE DEAD FROM THE SHECHINAH CAMP

3-Who determines which Kohen receives gifts for the Kohanim?

THE GIVER DETERMINES WHO GETS HIS GIFTS

4-What sin does the Nazir commit against himself?

HE ABSTAINS FROM ENJOYING WINE

5-Where was the cut hair of the Nazir placed after completing his term?

HAIR WAS PLACED WITH HIS SHELMIM OFFERING

6-When did the Sotah-Waters lose their miraculous power?

AS IMMORALITY INCREASED IN THE WORLD MORAL LEVEL DECREASED

7-Why Parashas Nazir written next to Birkat Kohanim?

AS NAZIR PROGRESS HE BECOMES AS KODESH AS THE KOHANIM 

8-Who was  a Nazir , but become a Rasha anyway?

AVSHALOM WAS A NAZIR, BUT MISUSED THE NEZIRUS FOR PHYSICALITY

9-Why don't Kohanim give Birkat Kohanim during Mincha?

KOHANIM MAY GET INTOXICATED AND DISQUALIFY FROM BLESSING

10-What happen to the Sotah's Adulterer while she is executed ?

THE ADULTERER SHARE THE SAME UGLY FATE AS HER

11-Why must a Nazir not cut his hair during his term?

TO DEMONSTRATE NO INTEREST TO PURSUE PHYSICAL BEAUTY

12-From where did we merit the Birkat Kihanim for Peace?

FROM AAHARON HAKOHEN AND HIS DESCENDANTS ALWAYS PEACE

13-How many Korbanos did Shlomo Sacrifice at the Temple Dedication ?

IN THE YEAR 2928 SHLOMO OFFERED 143,000 OFFERINGS

14-How many Korbanos were sacrificed on the Mizbeiyach annually ?

APPROXIMATELY 1,263 ANIMALS , EXCLUDING PRIVATE OFFERINGS

15-Why a person with a nightmare pray about it during Birkat Kohanim?

DISSOLVE THE NIGHTMARE INTO THE BLESSING, CONTAINING 60 WORDS

16-What happens to innocent women who were falsely Sotah accused?

SHE WAS BLESSED TO HAVE BEAUTIFUL STRONG CHILDREN

17-How long was Schmuel HANAVI a Nazir?

HE WAS A NAZIR FOR 52 YEARS, HIS ENTIRE LIFETIME

18-How long would it take to become a Nazir?

STANDARD AMOUNT WAS 30-DAYS

19-Can one become a Nazir outside Eretz Yisroel?

NO ONE CAN , DUE TO TUMA IN CHUZ L'AARETZ

20-Name 10 persons in Tanach that lost all because of bad desires?

KAYIN, KORACH, BILAM, DOEG, ACHITOFEL, GEICHAZI , AVSHALOM 

ADONIYOHU, UZIYAHU, AND HAMAN

 

Memorial Day in the USA - The Battle for Saipan

Memorial Day in the USA - The Battle for Saipan

Today, the 25th of May is Memorial Day in the USA, the day when we remember our fallen.  I have seven uncles who served in World War II, in all the service branches, at least two were combat soldiers, and both were awarded the Purple Heart.

 There is one battle that I’m writing about because one of my uncles, a Marine, fought there and because on it a Jewish soldier was awarded the Medal Honor.  It is the battle for the Island of Saipan.

 

 

Saipan is an island in the Pacific, currently belonging to the United States, but it World War II it was part of the Japanese Empire.  It held strategic importance to the USA, who planned to use it for attacking Japan by air using the B-29 Super Fortress bomber.

In 1944 there were 30,000 Japanese soldiers garrisoned on the island.  In June, 71,000 U.S. Army infantry and Marine units landed on the island.  Resistance was fierce; on the first day we took 2,000 casualties. It took three weeks of heavy fighting to secure the island.  The battle cost us about 14,000 killed and wounded.  Of the 30,000 Japanese defenders, less than 1,000 were taken prisoner. Civilian casualties were high; about 20,000 perished.

When it became apparent to the Japanese defenders that the battle was hopeless, their commander resolved to fight to the last man  He assembled the remaining 3,000 able-bodied troops who charged forward in a final Banzai attack.  Amazingly, behind them came the wounded, with bandaged heads, crutches, and civilians, all barely armed, some with bamboo pointed spears. The Japanese surged over the American front lines, engaging both army and Marine units.

One of the American defenders was Captain Ben Salomon from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He was a battalion surgeon and incidentally one of us, a Jew.   When his unit was overrun, he aided the evacuation of wounded soldiers. What follows is the citation which accompanied the award of the Medal of Honor:

CAPTAIN BEN L. SALOMON

UNITED STATES ARMY

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Captain Ben L. Salomon was serving at Saipan, in the Marianas Islands on July 7, 1944, as the Surgeon for the 2nd Battalion, 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. The Regiment’s 1st and 2d Battalions were attacked by an overwhelming force estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 Japanese soldiers. It was one of the largest attacks attempted in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Although both units fought furiously, the enemy soon penetrated the Battalions’ combined perimeter and inflicted overwhelming casualties. In the first minutes of the attack, approximately 30 wounded soldiers walked, crawled, or were carried into Captain Salomon’s aid station, and the small tent soon filled with wounded men. As the perimeter began to be overrun, it became increasingly difficult for Captain Salomon to work on the wounded. He then saw a Japanese soldier bayoneting one of the wounded soldiers lying near the tent. Firing from a squatting position, Captain Salomon quickly killed the enemy soldier.

Then, as he turned his attention back to the wounded, two more Japanese soldiers appeared in the front entrance of the tent. As these enemy soldiers were killed, four more crawled under the tent walls. Rushing them, Captain Salomon kicked the knife out of the hand of one, shot another, and bayoneted a third. Captain Salomon butted the fourth enemy soldier in the stomach and a wounded comrade then shot and killed the enemy soldier.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Captain Salomon ordered the wounded to make their way as best they could back to the regimental aid station, while he attempted to hold off the enemy until they were clear. Captain Salomon then grabbed a rifle from one of the wounded and rushed out of the tent.

After four men were killed while manning a machine gun, Captain Salomon took control of it. When his body was later found, 98 dead enemy soldiers were piled in front of his position. Captain Salomon’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

There is really nothing more for me to say.  May his memory be for a blessing.

 

QUESTIONS FOR THE SHABBOS TABLE: PARSHAT BAMIDBAR, 1:1-4:20

 

Questions for the Shabbos Table contains snippets from the weekly Torah portion.  The goal of Questions for the Shabbos Table is to bring more Torah to English speakers living in Israel and abroad.  For some who have recently immigrated to Israel, there may be the nagging sentiment of being in a foreign country. Questions for the Shabbos Table is intended to do away with that sentiment, for you not to be a stranger in a strange land. And for those living abroad, it is a means to come closer to the Divine.  If  however you are living in the Land, you are already a step closer.

QUESTIONS FOR THE SHABBOS TABLE:

PARSHAT BAMIDBAR, 1:1-4:20

The Parshah begins with the taking of a military census of all the Tribes except for the Tribe of Levi.  The total number of fighting men from age 20 to 60 is 603,550.  Each Tribe had its own leader, its own flag and its own family loyalties.  However, although diverse, they are all grouped in a specific fashion, and they all face the Mishkan, the dwelling place for Hashem. 

It is the Mishkan that unites them.  Today, we no longer have a tribal identity. Jews are still a diverse lot.  By way of example:  Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Secular, Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Litvish, Chassidic, etc.  If you want to know more about Jewish movements, check out the excellent attached work by Sara Metzger.  Although diverse, we are still the B’Nai Yisrael.

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:f877186c-50fb-40d4-a5f0-b84d65af1628

 

 

 

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My friend Max Naggar from Naharia Israel has come up with a quiz that relates to Parshat Bamidbar.  Attached are his questions.  Take your time and try to answer them.  Do your best.  The answers are at the end of this posting.

1-Why were the Jewish People counted so frequently?

2-What documents did the people bring when they were counted?

3-What determined the color of the Tribal Flags?

4-What is the difference between an "OT" and a "DEGEL"?

5-What was the signal for the Camp to travel ?

6-What was the sum total of the counting of the 12-Tribes?

7-Why were Aharon's sons called the sons of Aharon & Moshe?

8-Why did the Leviim receive MA'ASER Rishon?

9-Which group of people were counted from the age of one month?

10-Name the first descendant of Levi in History to be counted as infant?

11-Who assisted Moshe in counting the Leviim?

12-Why did the tribe of Reuben supported Korach rebellion?

13-Why did the tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar, and Zevulun become great scholars?

 14-Actual number of Leviim was 22,300, but Torah stated as 22,000, why?

15-Why were the first Born Males redeemed for 5-Shekalim?

16-During what age span is man considered at his full strength?

17-Who was in charge to cover the Holly Vessels before transport?

18-What were the main tasks of the Leviim in the Mishkan?

19-How many times were Bnei Israel counted in our travels?

20-What is the best way to count the men in a Minyan?

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The men of the Tribe of Levi, the “Levites” or the “Leveim”, לויים, were counted separately and number 22,300 from age one month and on up.

The Leviim have replaced the 1st born B'Nai Yisrael for service in the Mishkan.  Originally during the time of the plagues when the Egyptian first born were slain, Hashem granted the Jewish first born a special place in their service to God.  However, because they participated in the Sin of the Golden Calf, in contradistinction to the Levites, they lost their special standing.

How would it have turned out if the first born had not lost their special position?

What would have been the status of the Levites?

The Levites have the burden of carrying and protecting the Mishkan, the dwelling place of Hashem.  At Hashem’s direction, the where and the when of His choosing the B’nai Yisrael, that is us, we move. 

 And for those of us who have made Aliyah: Don’t think for one moment that it was you alone who decided it was time to make Aliyah.  And don’t think for one moment that there are not still amongst us, people chosen by Hashem who share the burden of carrying His Sanctuary.

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Thursday evening, May 21, marks the beginning of the new Festival known as Jerusalem Day.  Jerusalem Day ( יום ירושלים‎) is an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War. The day is officially marked by state ceremonies and memorial services. 

Religious Zionists recite special holiday prayers including the  Hallel prayer.  Various Jewish groups follow differing practices.  Personally, I avoid praying with a group that do celebrate Jerusalem Day, considering them anti-Zionist.

In opposition to the Jerusalem Day celebration, many Muslims worldwide celebrate Al-Quds Day.  Here is a photo of that celebration in Tehran in 2016:

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The men of the Tribe of Levi, the “Levites” or the “Leveim”, לויים, were counted separately and number 22,300 from age one month and on up.

The Leviim have replaced the 1st born B'Nai Yisrael for service in the Mishkan.  Originally during the time of the plagues when the Egyptian first born were slain, Hashem granted the Jewish first born  a special place in their service to God.  However, because they participated in the Sin of the Golden Calf, in contradistinction to the Levites, theylost their special standing.

The Levites have the burden of carrying and protecting the Mishkan, the dwelling place of Hashem.  At Hashem’s direction, the where and the when of His choosing the B’nai Yisrael, that is us, we move. 

 And for those of us who have made Aliyah: Don’t think for one moment that it was you alone who decided it was time to make Aliyah.  And don’t think for one moment that there are not still amongst us, people chosen by Hashem who share the burden of carrying His Sanctuary.

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 MAX’S PARSHAT BARMIDBAR QUIZ

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

> 1-Why were the Jewish People counted so frequently?

     THEY WERE VERY DEAR TO HASHEM

> 2-What documents did the people bring when they were counted?

      THEY BROUGHT BIRTH RECORDS PROVING TRIBAL LINEAGE

> 3-What determined the color of the Tribal Flags?

      TRIBE STONES ON THE BREASTPLATE DETERMINED THE COLORS

> 4-What is the difference between an "OT" and a "DEGEL"?

     OT IS A FLAG COLORED CLOTH, DEGEL IS A FLAG POLE

> 5-What was the signal for the Camp to travel ?

    CLOUD OVER THE OHEL MOED DEPARTED, &TRUMPET SOUNDED

> 6-What was the sum total of the counting of the 12-Tribes?

      TOTAL COUNT OF THE 12-TRIBES IS 603,550

> 7-Why were Aharon's sons called the sons of Aharon & Moshe?

     BECAUSE MOSHE TAUGHT THEM TORAH

> 8-Why did the Leviim receive MA'ASER Rishon?

     THEY SERVED IN THE MISHKAN IN PLACE OF THE FIRSTBORNS

> 9-Which group of people were counted from the age of one month?

    THE LEVIIM AND THE FIRST BORNS OF BNEI ISRAEL

> 10-Name the first descendant of Levi in History to be counted as infant?

     LEVI'S DAUGHTER YOCHEVED , WAS BORN ENTERING EGYPT

> 11-Who assisted Moshe in counting the Leviim?

      HASHEM ASSISTED MOSHE IN COUNTING THE LEVIIM

> 12-Why tribe of Reuben supported Korach rebellion?

     THEY WERE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS TO KORACH

> 13-Why tribes of Yehuda, Yissachar, and Zevulun became great scholars?

      THEY WERE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS TO MOSHE RABBENU

> 14-Actual number of Leviim was 22,300, but Torah stated as 22,000, why?

     THE EXTRA 300 WERE THE FIRST BORN LEVIIM THEMSELVES

> 15-Why was the first Born Males redeemed for 5-Shekalim?

      TO ATONE THE SALE OF YOSEF WHO WAS SOLD FOR 5-SHEKALIM

> 16-During what age span is man considered at his full strength?

     BETWEEN THE AGES OF 30 AND 50

> 17-Who was in charge to cover the Holly Vessels before transport?

    ONLY THE KOHANIM

> 18-What were the main tasks of the Leviim in the Mishkan?

     MOVERS OF MISHKAN, SINGERS, AND HONORARY GUARDS

> 19-How many times were Bnei Israel counted in our travels?

     TANACH TALLIES THE TOTAL POPULATION 10-TIMES

> 20-What is the best way to count the men in a Minyan?

     POPULAR CHSTOM TO SAY A PASUK WHICH CONTAINS 10 WORDS