Parashat NasoWhen the ancient rabbis finalized the yearly calendar along with its cycle of Torah readings, they purposely situated this week’s parasha, Naso, to always coincide with Shavuot – either right before or after (this year, Shavuot fell this last week).
So, what is the relationship between Naso and Shavuot?
The Torah commands that there are three festivals during the year, known as the Shalosh Regalim, in which we were obligated to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These three festivals - Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot - are described by G-d as His moedim; “appointed times,” that G-d has purposely set aside in order to meet with us.
Going up to the Temple in Biblical times was an overwhelming experience. Worshipers were filled with great joy and anticipation. The Temple bustled with activity. Worshipers were surrounded by Jews from all over the Near East, coming to encounter G-d and receive a special blessing. This trek up to Jerusalem, and the bringing of offerings and sacrifices, brought the Jewish people closer to HaShem, and closer to each other.
After having counted fifty days, seven full weeks in preparation, our ancestors must have been filled with great anticipation for the arrival of Shavuot and the excitement of making the pilgrimage once again up to the Temple Mount. The highlight of each of these three pilgrimage festivals, including Shavuot, was culminated in the High Priest’s blessing of the people.
Parashat Naso describes how the cohanim were to bless the Jewish people, giving the exact words to be used in pronouncing the Birkat Cohanim, the Aaronic benediction:
So, what is the relationship between Naso and Shavuot?
The Torah commands that there are three festivals during the year, known as the Shalosh Regalim, in which we were obligated to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These three festivals - Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot - are described by G-d as His moedim; “appointed times,” that G-d has purposely set aside in order to meet with us.
Going up to the Temple in Biblical times was an overwhelming experience. Worshipers were filled with great joy and anticipation. The Temple bustled with activity. Worshipers were surrounded by Jews from all over the Near East, coming to encounter G-d and receive a special blessing. This trek up to Jerusalem, and the bringing of offerings and sacrifices, brought the Jewish people closer to HaShem, and closer to each other.
After having counted fifty days, seven full weeks in preparation, our ancestors must have been filled with great anticipation for the arrival of Shavuot and the excitement of making the pilgrimage once again up to the Temple Mount. The highlight of each of these three pilgrimage festivals, including Shavuot, was culminated in the High Priest’s blessing of the people.
Parashat Naso describes how the cohanim were to bless the Jewish people, giving the exact words to be used in pronouncing the Birkat Cohanim, the Aaronic benediction:
"May HaShem bless you and keep you
May HaShem make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you
May HaShem lift up his countenance toward you and fill you with peace."
Thousands of years later, the descendants of Aaron still perform this blessing in much the same way. I still get the shivers when I experience this today, and feel whisked away … back to the time of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, when the Cohanim come forward in front of all the people, drape themselves with their tallitot, and utter the ancient words of the Birkat Cohanim.
The Aaronic Benediction is just one of the connections between Parashat Naso and Shavuot. As we come away from Shavuot, may that same blessing that our ancestors’ experienced in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem be with us as we continually work to prepare the way for the return of Mashiach.
The Aaronic Benediction is just one of the connections between Parashat Naso and Shavuot. As we come away from Shavuot, may that same blessing that our ancestors’ experienced in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem be with us as we continually work to prepare the way for the return of Mashiach.
What a WOW! moment to think G-d has systematicaly set time for us to one-on-one with Him All at the same time. Then in appreciation ordains his Cohanim to recognize our efforts with HaShems specific Blessing. WOW!