Posts Tagged Torah Commentary

The final two portions of the Book of Numbers, Matot and Mas'ei, are most often combined. In their midst is the rarest cantillation in the entire Torah. It occurs in Numbers 35:5, which prescribes the size of pastures encircling the Levites' assigned town.

The least exciting but perhaps most exacting section of Parashat Pinchas is the list of sacrifices specific to different sacred occasions.

What does an ancient plant known for its medicinal properties have to do with a tent? One of the most famous verses in the entire Torah lies at the heart of this week's portion.

After a series of important events for Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and the whole community, the end of Parashat Chukat lists the Israelites' conquests during their journey. Sihon, king of the Amorites, does not allow the Israelites passage through his territory, so they go to war.

This week, as the Israelites continue wandering in the wilderness, Moses faces the most significant threat to his leadership since leaving Egypt. His distant cousin, Korach, gathers more than 250 individuals to challenge Moses and Aaron. The rest of Parashat Korach paints in vivid, violent detail the ways both God and Moses respond to the uprising.

At the start of Parashat Sh'lach L'cha, God tells Moses to send representatives from the 12 Israelite tribes to scout the Promised Land. With the exception of Caleb and Joshua, the scouts' report is far from promising.

Many commentaries on Parashat Naso focus on the words of the Priestly Blessing. One aspect of the Priestly Blessing that often goes overlooked called out to me. An odd thing to say, given the fact that this portion of the blessing is literally voiceless.

The Israelites are told that blessings will flow if they live by God's rules. However, if they choose to stray from God's path, consequences will follow. Sometimes, this logic works; mitzvot lead to mitzvot and transgressions often lead to further transgressions.

Towards the end of this week's parashah, wandering in the wilderness is starting to take its toll on the Israelites. Moses and his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, are no exception.