S4E2 Naso 2023

In this week's parsha, Naso, we learn lessons from God. Some of these lessons include: God is sensitive enough to our needs to provide us an option that would enable us to achieve high status, just like a Kohen, even if we were not born to it. Similarly, God enables someone who is struggling with self control, such as someone who is drinking too much wine, to find a dignified way to improve their lives. In both of these situations, the solution lies in becoming a Nazir. God codifies the Birkat Kohanim, or Priestly Blessing, in this week's parsha. This blessing adjures God to watch over us, guard us, make sure we have possessions and income, but also that we always have God's attention and willingness to help us even when we don't deserve it. God shows us that even when people give the exact same gift, like the Nesiim did, it's important to be appreciative and excited. To demonstrate this, God tells the story of each Nasi's individual offering- 12 separate times- and models what it means to show gratitude and excitement.