This week's portion tells the story of the deal that three tribes made with Moses: they liked the land in Transjordan so much that they preferred to stay there rather than crossing into the Land of Israel. Moses agreed, on condition that they lead the Israelites into battle against the Canaanites. They did so.
The deal is portrayed as an unfortunate necessity, a concession to the stubborn nature of the people and the sinful nature of humankind in general, who would rather have instant gratification than fulfill a Heavenly mission. But the deal preserves the Divine spark of that mission, even in an earthly compromise.
The portion then recounts the journeys of the Israelites through the desert, until the final point of departure, across the Jordan River from Jericho. The Torah names the leaders that will guide the people after Moses's death, including Joshua, who was named as Moses's successor in the previous portion.
Then God gives specific commandments about setting aside land for the priestly tribe of Levites, plus the need to create four "cities of refuge" for exiling those who commit involuntary manslaughter. The rules for inheritance are also discussed; they provide that land shall not leave a tribe through marriage.
This is the portion that all journalists should love: the Torah tells the story of the 12 spies, only two of whom tell the truth when the other ten shade it in a negative away (perhaps to suit a political agenda that is opposed to Moses).
It's not that the ten "lying" spies misconstrue the facts about the Land of Israel; rather, they interject their opinions that the land is impossible to conquer, which strikes unnecessary terror into the hearts of the people.
We have many examples of such fake news today -- from the Iranian propaganda outlets spreading false claims that they are winning the war, to California politicians spreading false horror stories about ICE raids in L.A.
The people realize, too late, that they have been fooled, and once they are condemned to die in the desert, they try to rush into Israel -- only to be defeated by the inhabitants, as the spies predicted that they would be.
But as consolation, God gives the people new commandments -- focused on things they must ...
This week's portion discusses the procedure for lighting the menorah, the holy seven-branched lamp, in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). It also describes an episode where the people crave meat, and God punishes them by giving it to them in excess. We also read the story of Miriam, Moses's sister, who is punished with the spiritual skin blemish of tzara'at for speaking about her brother, thus violating the prohibition against lashon hara (evil tongue).
I heard a fantastic sermon this week about the lighting of the menorah: that while only the priests were qualified to clean and purify the menorah, anyone could light it. A reminder that each of us can inspire others along the way.
This week we study the vow of the Nazirite; a reminder that sometimes trying to be too holy is excessive, and the best we can do is to be the best that we are.
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading_cdo/aid/2495720/p/complete/jewish/Naso-Torah-Reading.htm
