Sedra of the Week: Nasso
Rabbi Ariel Abel looks ahead to the portion of the Torah this forthcoming week
This week’s reading, Nasso, tells of two forms of Judaism, the functional and the organic. The first preaches the formulaic performance of mitzvot as the most valued output, and obeying when ordered to do something: metsuveh v’osseh. Organic values the whole process of living as a Jew, mindful of others while performing one’s own obligations, not waiting for orders to serve God and community: na’asshe venishma.
The word Nasso is a command term with two possible meanings; that when one “counts” the Levites, one also “lifts” them. Thus, Moses recognises both the function of the Levites in servicing the mishkan while valuing each Levite individually.
After the Levites took apart, carried and reassembled the mishkan, each was lifted and waved in the direction of the four words, to show we must see ourselves as part of the same natural world.
The rest of the reading tells of a jealous husband taking his wife to the Temple to undergo a ritual. Then comes the Nazirite who abstains from wine and growing dreadlocks. Finally, the princes of Israel bring contributions towards finishing what the Israelite commoner had already donated.
Moses asked each prince to wait in line and donate a prescribed sum, thus showing the superiority before God of willingness over prescribed performance.
- Ariel Abel is rabbi of Liverpool’s Princes Road
synagogue
Listen to the Jewish Views podcast!
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
