Parasha Nasso (נשא) — Bamidbar 4:21 – 7:89. Read on Shabbat, June 19, 2027.
Summary of Parasha Nasso
The parasha continues the census of the Leviim aged thirty to fifty, specifying the duties of the sons of Gershon, in charge of the curtains and coverings of the Mishkan, and of the sons of Merari, in charge of the boards, bars, pillars and sockets. G-d then commands that those who are impure be sent out of the camp. One who has wronged his fellow must confess his wrongdoing and make restitution, adding a fifth. The Torah then sets out the procedure of the sotah, the woman suspected of infidelity by her husband, followed by the laws of the nazir, who abstains from wine and from every product of the vine, does not cut his hair and does not become impure through contact with the dead; at the end of his vow, he brings offerings. G-d gives the kohanim the words of the blessing they are to pronounce over the children of Israel: “May G-d bless you and keep you; may G-d make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may G-d turn His face toward you and grant you peace.” On the day Moshe finishes setting up the Mishkan, the leaders of the tribes bring wagons for its transport. Then, over twelve days, each leader in turn brings an identical offering for the dedication of the altar, described in detail. The parasha ends with Moshe hearing the voice speaking to him from between the two keruvim.
The Themes
- The blessing of the kohanim
- The vow of the nazir
- Identical offerings, each one unique
Rav Raphaël Benizri’s Lectures on Nasso
There are no lectures by the Rav on this parasha yet. Find all available lectures on the Weekly Parasha page.
A Question for the Shabbat Table
The twelve leaders bring exactly the same offering, and the Torah repeats it twelve times. Why do you think that is?
← Parasha Bamidbar · All the parashiot · Parasha Behaalotekha →
Summary by the Pensées Juives editorial team. The Rav’s teachings are found in his lectures, linked above.