Parashat Naso: The Adulteress Wife, The Nazirite, & The Priest

Parashat Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89) begins with instructions to the three sub-groups of Levites (Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites) and what their individual responsibilities in the Tabernacle will be. While it is fascinating to read about the equitable division of labor, later chapters of this week’s portion focus on three key figures in the community:

The Sotah (Allegedly Adulteress Wife) and the ordeal she undergoes

The Nazir (A Man or Woman who takes a Nazirite Vow) and the rituals associated with this status

The Kohein (A Priest) and his power to bless.

Personally, I find myself asking WHY in each of these scenarios: Why has the husband suspected adultery and why has he determined that the ordeal is the best way to proceed? Why has this man or woman elected to become a Nazir for a period of time? Why are the kohanim given the power to bless the people, and in what cases is it to be used?

These are each profound situations that, I believe, address three primary Jewish relationships –

Beyn Adam l’Chaveiro (Between a person and someone else)

Beyn Adam l’Atzmo (Between a person and him/herself)

Beyn Adam l’Makom (Between a person and God)

How do we conceptualize each of these relationships? What happens when something goes awry in one of them?

The Haftarah portion (Judges 13:2-25) introduces us to Samson (a Nazirite) by telling us his “origin story.” Samson, of course, is practically a superhero due to both his strength and his weaknesses. As opposed to the person choosing to be a Nazirite in the Torah portion, Samson is promised to the Temple before he is even conceived. Do you think that the intention behind the vow matters? Or just the vow itself?

I look forward to pondering these questions and more with you on Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!