Welcome to Torah Thoughts our regular posting on the Torah Portion of the Week from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa based in Mason City. This week we turn our attention to the portion "Naso" (take a census) found in the first line of this week's reading which spans Numbers 4:21 - 7:89. "The L-rd spoke to Moses saying: Take a census of the sons of Gershon..."
So, why? The simple answer is that the Tribe of Gershon had a job to do. That job was to carry the curtains for the Tabernacle and more of what made up the wandering Tent of Meeting.
They had a job to do.
In our faith we all have a "job to do" and it is G-d who is counting on us to get it done. We are required to remember and do the commandments, to be fair, honest and kind to each other and the "stranger". Sometimes it's too big of a job and we falter...but even in realizing that we've made an error it is easy to correct. But it takes work and that is our job.
This week we also read these important words, which we recite each Shabbat in Shul. It is the Priestly Blessing that, here in this Torah Portion, G-d teaches to the Cohen (priests): "May the L-rd bless you and guard over you. May the L-rd make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the L-rd lift up His Countenance upon you and give you peace."
"The Lord shall make His face shine upon you." (Numbers 6:25)
One of the 613 commandments is to emulate the Almighty. What can we learn from this verse to emulate the Almighty?
The great sage Shamai said, "Greet every man with a pleasant expression of countenance" (Pirke Avos, 1:15) -- in this manner, we are "shining our countenance upon others". How can we have a "shining" countenance?
- Look at the Person -- The minimum is to turn your face towards your fellow man; don't greet anyone with the side of your face. Turn your face towards him/her.
- Express Interest -- Don't look bored or distracted.
- Feel Happy -- to see the person and let your face show it!
Since G-d deals with us measure for measure, G-d makes His face shine upon those whose faces shine to their fellow human being.
Shabbat Shalom!
Service Schedule
Adas Israel will hold services on 21 June starting at 7:15pm and then the Midrash (Torah Study) on Shabbat (Saturday) the 22nd starting at 10:00am. The text will be Numbers 8 - 12 and all are welcome to attend!
See you in Shul!
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