Naso

זֹ֣את עֲבֹדַ֔ת מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י לַעֲבֹ֖ד וּלְמַשָּֽׂא׃

These are the duties of the Gershonite clans as to labour and porterage:

 – Numbers 4: Naso 1

Here we are at the longest Torah portion, Naso. This week we focus on Naso 1, the first half of the Parasha.  Here at the beginning of Naso each family within the tribe of Levi are given a different responsibility. The Gershonites carried the fabrics and coverings of the Mishkan. The Merarites transported the heavy beams and foundations. The Kohathites carried the sacred vessels. Different tasks, different strengths, but all serving one sacred purpose.

What is striking is that no role is described as more “holy” than another. The person carrying the curtain was just as necessary as the person carrying the Ark. Without every contribution, the community could not move forward.

Our community is no different. Some teach, some lead prayer, some visit the sick, some organize events, some prepare food, some work cameras and sound, some balance budgets, some quietly make phone calls or set up chairs before anyone arrives. Some are visible, and some are almost unseen. Yet every act helps hold the community together.

Just as the Israelites carried the Mishkan together through the wilderness, we carry our community together today — each of us adding to holiness. 

L’Shalom,

Cantor Paula Baruch