What We Miss:

-Lighting the Menorah: The Torah does not explain why the Menorah was so important, but throughout history its light represented a type of spiritual and ethical behavior by which the Jewish people would live.

-The Levites are Officially Installed: The ceremony not only honored the Levites but their public installation called attention to the importance of the entire community.

-The Second Passover for those who were unable (due to absence or ritual reasons) to celebrate Passover on its original date.

-The People Kvetch:During their journey the people speak nostalgically about Egypt, as if Egypt were such a paradise. In Egypt at least, they knew when they would eat, even if their entire lives were enveloped in suffering and degradation.

 -Aaron and Miriam Complain About Moses: Aaron and Miriam publicly criticized Moses for his choice of a marriage partner; perhaps because she is a Midianite?

What We Read

-The Fire Cloud: During their travels in the desert, the people would march forward according to the presence of a fire covered cloud.  When that cloud hovered over the Tabernacle the people would stay put.  When the cloud lifted, they would proceed forward.  The Torah could have described the cloud’s purpose in one or two sentences.  Yet, the section about the cloud is more detailed; to emphasize how the movement of the entire camp depended entirely on the whereabouts of that cloud.  Perhaps the Torah offers a little drama to highlight the theocentric nature of the Israelite religion?  It is God, Who serves as supreme conductor of Am Yisrael.  Other civilizations place humanity at the helm, but not Judaism. The cloud is a manifestation of God; as a physical image it is powerful, memorable, and impactful. 

-The Silver Trumpets: Trumpets were sounded to assemble the people or to declare the beginning of a war.  From the beginning of  B’Midbar (fourth Book of the Torah), the Torah has emphasized the practical and military aspects of nationhood.  There is a Jewish expression ayn kemach ayn torah/ without substance (literally WHEAT) Torah cannot exist. The study and perpetuation of Torah (in both study and practice) cannot exist in a vacuum.  If a Jew cannot earn a decent living, he/she has no time to focus on spiritual matters.  Applying the principle collectively: If Israel cannot defend itself militarily, then the nation will not survive.  Of what purpose is Torah study/living in a nation which is threatened with physical extinction?  From a practical perspective; without benefits of  modern technology, there had to be some method of gathering the people.  Trumpets blasted throughout the land was an effective means of doing so. 

-Jethro Returns Home: Moses' father-in-law (now called Hobab) has accompanied the people while offering invaluable advice to them. Now, however, he wants to return home.  During his prolonged ‘visit’ Jethro has guided Moses; sharing his personal wisdom and professional experience.  He must now feel more secure about departing, knowing that Moses and the people are in a more secure place.  Moses greatly appreciated his guidance.

Question: In what ways can Judaism draw from our American culture and surroundings?

Haftorah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7

Zechariah returns to Israel (from Babylonia,) after Cyrus decreed that the Israelites could return to their land. He envisions a new era; whereby the High Priests will 'shed' their clothes of the past and don new clothing that symbolizes a new stage in Israelite independence. Zechariah also envisions a new menorah (hence the connection to the Torah portion,) with light emanating from God. The Haftorah concludes with the words: not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, said the God of Hosts. The idea is that God will provide the inspiration for survival and longevity.