The following disparate topics covered in NASO...
- Tumah--"unclean" persons who must be removed from the camp(metzorah; contact with death; abnormal body discharge)
- Sotah, a woman suspected by her husband of unfaithfulness, who must undergo a water-drinking ceremony in the Temple (the only explicit example in the Torah of trial by ordeal)
- Nazir, a person, who for personal reasons,vows to abstain from wine intoxicants; to let his hair grow and to avoid contact with a dead body during the period of his vow (30 day minimum)
- Priestly Blessing
- Offerings of the Princes
...are linked by the Kohen-- and his key role as a psychologist/social worker--who facilitates the individual's return back into the community. (The tamee stayed outside the camp; the sotah stood apart and accused by the community; the Nazir voluntarily separated himself from Society; the Nasiim initially refused to join in with the masses to donate to the building of the Mishkan.)
Our Thoughts on The Priestly Blessing
- It is Hashem's blessing, not the Kohen's
- Kohen's presence reflects the idea of engaging Man in building the relationship with Hashem
- In the singular to unite the nation as one (Ish Echad Blayv Echad)
- In the singular because the Priest addresses each individual and his unique needs
- A tutorial teaching each Jewish person how to address and bless his fellow Jew
Some thoughts on Sotah
- Giving the woman a chance to clear her name
- Torah goal of wanting marriages to succeed
- Public ceremony in Temple will deter any would-be wayward spouse
- "Time out" for husband lest he take matters in his own hands during this period of uncontrollable rage
On the root-word NASO
If one is in the "desert of life", afraid, alone one must lift himself up (NASO) to get back on track.Then, aided by Hashem's Blessing ("YISAH Hashem panav...") one has the potential to be counted among the Nesiim (root=naso)listed at the end of the Parsha.
(from my father, Rav Moishe Berenholz,A"H)
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