Whew! This week’s Torah portion has a l-o-n-g name: Beha’alotecha. It means “when you ascend” or “when you mount” and as always, it’s the first striking word in the portion. In this case, it comes from a command given to Aaron:
When you mount the lamps, let the seven lamps give light at the front of the lamp stand. -Numbers 8:2
This parashah begins with directions about the great menorah in the Tabernacle. It continues with the consecration of the Levites, directions about Passover, the cloud and pillar of fire that led the Israelites, silver trumpets, and then, at the end, two disasters. The first is a fateful meal of quail, and the second is a famous story about Miriam, Aaron and Moses.
For more about this portion, here are some divrei Torah from around the Internet:
The Heaviness of Leadership by Anita Silvert
The Silencing of Miriam and the Cushite Woman by Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild
The Fine Art of Complaint by Rabbi Amy Scheinerman
Offering God Compassion by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat
Nachshon Moments, on Land and on Sea by Rabbi Seth Goldstein
When You Ascend by Rabbi Ruth Adar
And Nun Shall Be Afraid by Rabbi Philip Rice
