Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Naso' (Num 4:21-7:89)


Dedication

            This week’s parasha is Naso’. It covers a census, the procedure for an unfaithful wife, the priestly blessing, the consecration of the Tabernacle, but I’d like to focus on the Nazirite vow. I would say the most well-known Nazirite was Samson, whose story is found in the book of Judges (Shoftim) (13:2-16:31). Samson’s mother, who was barren, was told by an angel of the L-rd, but that the child must dedicate himself to the L-rd, mainly by keeping alcohol forbidden and not cutting his hair. When he falls in love with a Philistine woman and tells her of his Nazirite status, she cuts his hair while he is sleeping and he loses his strength.
            When we live a righteous and obedient life, we, too, are dedicated to Hashem. We may be able to cut our hair and have alcohol, but when we allow ourselves to be swayed by evil, we break that vow and lose our strength.

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