Themes in the Reading:
Sotah (woman accused of infidelity)
Nazirite Regulations
Priestly Blessing From Aaron and High Priests

What We Miss:

● The Continuation of the Levite Responsibilities: The only tribe excluded from the census was the tribe of Levi. In biblical times, the Levites were transmitters of the religious tradition. Because the spiritual life of Israel depended on them, the Levites were exempt from military service.

● The Tabernacle dedication ceremony: In honor of their new, spiritual home, the people celebrated a twelve- day festival. Twelve days enabled one designated tribe per day to offer a gift on behalf of the entire tribe. Every tribe selected a representative to present the gift on its behalf.

Rabbi’s note: Instructions for the Levites are given at the beginning of Naso. The Tabernacle dedication appears at the end of the portion (in the triennial section for next year).

What We Read

The two major themes in today’s reading reflect traditions we no longer observe.

• The Sotah, Ordeal of Jealousy: The Torah discusses at length the ordeal of a woman suspected of committing adultery. According to the Etz Hayim Torah Commentary (published by the Conservative Movement):

It would seem that the Sages understood the ordeal of the sotah [the Hebrew name of the suspected adulterer] less as a way of ferreting out adulteresses and more as a way of "proving" the husband that his suspicions were groundless.

The one, general value I will infer from the Sotah is that fidelity is central for all relationships. I admit to struggling with the Sotah theme as a contemporary Jew, who seeks continuous insight and inspiration from the Torah. The Sotah theme is disturbing. Imagine therefore, how young and/or skeptical Jews will reaction to the subject?! Suspecting a woman of unfaithfulness reflects a time when men dominated society and women had to comply. We need to remember how the Torah not only introduces Judaism as a religious civilization but shares the history of our origins. When we study American history and even the Constitution, we find laws, standards and practices anathema to us today; gender inequalities included. We study our history to understand the past but also to determine how we build upon that history to create a modern civilization which fits our society. Likewise with Judaism: We draw from the past but build upon it to address how our religion speaks to us today. From the Torah we often draw general principles while acknowledging that some of the specifics are no longer applicable. Regarding the Sotah, the themes of fidelity and trust stand out as central to our lives.

How might you reframe the Sotah ritual in light of contemporary times?

* The Nazirite: A Nazirite was a person who made a vow to abstain from certain pleasures or necessities, such as cutting one’s hair or refraining from alcohol. The Nazirites made a vow in gratitude to God for something significant in their person lives. Although the Nazirite practice is long gone, today we find alternative ways to express gratitude, hope, and even fear or concern (within a Jewish context). For example, some people recite biblical Psalms. Others offer Tzedakah as an expression of thanks and appreciation.

* The Bircat Kohaneem (Priestly Blessing): The three fold blessing offered by Aaron and sons is still cherished without our Jewish family and ritual culture:

-We recite/chant the blessing in our Amidah prayer.

-We recite the blessing on Friday night when we bless our children.

-We recite the blessing at life cycle occasions, such as a B/B Mitzvah or wedding.

Haftarah - Judges 13:2-25

The Haftarah details events leading up to the birth of Samson. Samson was a formidable military leader, who fought against the Philistines. He was also a Nazirite from birth (hence the connection to our Torah portion). In appreciation for her being blessed with a child, Samson’s mother offered him for life-long communal service. As a Nazirite, Samson abstained from cutting his hair and from drinking alcohol. Realistically, Samson was renowned for his strength and not for his wisdom or spiritual leadership. He was, however, an important warrior who came along at a crucial juncture in the history of ancient Israel.