The following opening thoughts were attached to Parsha B'Midbar originally.  Beyond that, I believe they are self explanatory...

Before beginning this week's reflection, a bit of an explanation.  Somehow, due to having to do a number of unrelated tasks, I have allowed myself to fall slightly behind the schedule of Parshiot.  (You may have noticed.)  So much so that as of this posting I am still a couple of weeks behind.  To remedy this, and to get back on track, I am not going to produce a full-fledged reflection on Parsha Naso.  Some parts of the sidrah will be covered in the article on B'Midbar, because there is some overlap of material.  Below you will find a brief Overview of Parsha Naso to reinforce your having read the passage.
There are also some specific instructions  regarding one part of Parsha Naso included at the end.  
In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy the following....

B.
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Parsha # 35: “Naso” / (Take)             
(B’Midbar / Numbers *4:21 through 7:89*)
Edition: 15e30

Dealing With Vows and Blessings

Greetings Sojourners, Friends, Guests and Other Readers!     Welcome!


A quick overview of Parsha Naso.  The title means "take", as in "Take a census", so  the Parsha is still dealing with the various censuses which Moshe was instructed to take.  Also in the opening verses, we see the special tasks which were assigned to the clans of Gershon and M'rari. These two areas have been discussed in the above article on Parsha B'Midbar.

With Chapter 5 however, the present Sidrah takes a turn.  We see special directives given by Elohim for the cleaning up of the encampment of the Israelite people.  The expulsion of anyone, male or female, exhibiting 'signs' of Tzaraas.  (The background of Tzaraas is discussed in Parsha Tazria (27) and Metzorah (28) in V'Yikra).

Further instructions are given regarding how to deal with such items as treachery, whether against Elohim or against one's neighbour or mate.  This includes thievery as well, for theft of one's goods (of any kind) is a form of treachery.  Thievery could also be considered the holding back of one's offerings from the Cohenim or from Elohim Himself. (See Malachi 3:8)

The  passage switches gears a bit in chapter 6, and offers instructions for those who wish to take on a Nazirite Vow.  This is generally a short term retreat from the community, involving special dietary and other restrictions.  This is followed by the instructions given to Moshe for Aharon and his sons as to how to bless B'nei Yisra'el.  This by the way, is the only blessing recorded in Scripture, (that I have found to date) which is given by God for this purpose.  (I will return to this in a moment.)

The final chapter of Parsha Naso deals with the special offerings which the Tribal leaders brought to the Tabernacle during the time of it's sanctification.  This would have been in the few days before the first observing of the Moed "Pesach", in year 2 of the Exodus.

Returning to the "Aharonic Blessing", as found in Chapter 6, I have posted earlier a two-part teaching on this passage.  If you have not read them before, I think you might enjoy them.  You will find them in the Archives.  Simply click Here for Part One, and Here for Part Two.

Our next teaching will be looking at "Parsha B'h'Alotkha".

Again, Shavuah Tov, everyone.

B.