by Shlomo Ressler | Jun 2, 2023 | 4:2-Parshat Naso, Bamidbar / Numbers, Uncategorized, Weekly Dvar
The Torah tells us that the Levi’im that performed the service (in the Mishkan, the Tabernacle) were between the ages of thirty and fifty, and “are fit to perform the service for the service…” (4:47). What is the meaning of the redundant wording of service for the...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jun 10, 2022 | 4:2-Parshat Naso, Bamidbar / Numbers, Weekly Dvar
Moshe is instructed to “take a census of the sons of Gershon, of them too, following their fathers’ houses, according to their families” (4:22). This instruction raises several questions: 1) Why is the family of Gershon counted second, after Kehat, if Gershon was the...
by Shlomo Ressler | May 21, 2021 | 4:2-Parshat Naso, Bamidbar / Numbers, Uncategorized, Weekly Dvar
On the day that the Mishkan (tabernacle) is inaugurated, the tribal leaders bring individual gifts; six wagons were used to transport twelve oxen, one ox per tribe (7:3). Why does the Torah specify how the oxen were transported with their respective configuration, and...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jun 2, 2020 | 4:2-Parshat Naso, Bamidbar / Numbers, Weekly Dvar
Parshat Naso delineates the Terumah (tithe) that goes to the Kohen, and that the tithe “brought to the Kohen shall be his” (5:9-10). However, the word “his” is ambiguous, as it can refer to the Kohen or the donor. While it’s clear from...
by Shlomo Ressler | Jun 13, 2019 | 4:2-Parshat Naso, Bamidbar / Numbers, Weekly Dvar
Among many other topics, Parshat Naso discusses the concept of one setting himself apart from society as a Nazir. The self-imposed restrictions include wine, shaving or cutting hair, as well as having any contact with dead bodies. The purpose of the Nazir seem to be...
by Shlomo Ressler | May 24, 2018 | 4:2-Parshat Naso, Bamidbar / Numbers, Weekly Dvar
From Rabbi Avi Weiss… Perhaps the most famous blessing is found in this week’s Torah portion. The Birkat Cohanim, the priestly benediction is recited by the priest and by parents to their children every Friday night (Numbers 6:24-26.) The benediction is...
