36-Torah-Week - Beha'alotcha - בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ "When You Set Up"
Portion Summary
In this thirty-sixth reading from the Torah, is the third reading from the book of Numbers it is called Beha'alotcha, which means "When you ascend." This name derives from the first verse of the portion, where YHVH instructs regarding the lighting of the Menorah: "When you set up (ascend) the lamps ..." (Numbers 8:2).
This portion covers a multitude of events, including the consecration of the Levites, the observance of the first Passover in the wilderness, the blowing of silver trumpets, the journeying of the Israelites, their complaints in the wilderness, the establishment of the first Sanhedrin, and the punishment of Miriam.
Key events and themes in this portion include:
1. The Menorah in the Tabernacle.The consecration of the Levites.
2. Observance of the second Passover.
3. Guidance through the cloud and fire.
4. The sounding of silver trumpets.
5. Complaints of the Israelites and the resulting judgments.
6. Miriam and Aaron questioning Moses' leadership and Miriam's leprosy as a consequence.
TORAH:
Numbers 8:1-5 — Setting up the Menorah.
Numbers 9:1-15 — Instructions for the observance of Passover.
Numbers 10:1-11 — Blowing of silver trumpets.
Numbers 11:1-31 — Israel's complaints and craving for meat.
Numbers 12:1 — Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses.
Leviticus 24:1-2 — Laws for maintaining the Menorah.
Exodus 37:22 — Design of the Menorah.
Exodus 19:5-6 — Israel as a holy nation.
Numbers 15:14-16 — Laws for strangers living among Israel.
Leviticus 19:16-18 — Commandments regarding kindness and neighborly love.
TARGUMS:
Numbers 8 — Targum commentary on the lighting of the Menorah.
NEVI'EM:
Zechariah 2:1-13; 3:1-10; 4:1-14 — Prophecies regarding Israel's restoration and the Menorah symbolism.
Isaiah 42:6-7 — A light to the nations.
Isaiah 8:20; 2:1-5; 5:20; 49:1-9 — Warnings and promises for Israel.
Nehemiah 8:1-3 — Reading of the Torah to the assembly.
Isaiah 61:1-6; 66:19-21 — Israel's role as a holy nation and priesthood.
Isaiah 4:1-6 — The refuge of YHVH's presence.
Joel 2:15-16; 2:28-29 — Call to repentance and the outpouring of YHVH's Spirit.
Isaiah 27:13; 66:22 — Gathering of Israel and the establishment of YHVH's new creation.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 — The promise of a new heart and spirit for Israel.
WRITINGS:
Proverbs 6:23 — "The commandment is a lamp, and the Torah a light."
Psalms 19:7-11 — The perfection and value of YHVH's Torah.
1 Samuel 20:5, 18 — A glimpse into David and Jonathan's friendship during New Moon observance.
Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 13:3; Proverbs 20:19 — Warnings against careless words,
GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Matthew 14:14-21 — Y'shua's compassion and feeding of the multitude.
Revelation 1:20 — Symbolism of the seven golden lampstands.
Matthew 5:14-16 — Believers as the light of the world.
John 3:16-21 — Light versus darkness, with Y'shua as the true light.
Ephesians 5:1-15 — Call to walk as children of light.
2 Peter 1:19 — Encouragement to hold onto YHVH's promises as a light in the darkness.
1 John 1:1-9 — Walking in the light and confessing sins.
Acts 13:40-48 — Paul and Barnabas as lights to the Gentiles.
Acts 26:16-18 — Paul's mission to open the eyes of the Gentiles.
Matthew 28:16 — Y'shua's commission to the disciples.
Revelation 5:9-10; 7:9-17 — Vision of a redeemed multitude.
Jude 1:5 — Reminder of Israel's past failures.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-18 — Instruction on living to please YHVH and hope in resurrection.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 — Warnings from Israel's history.
Matthew 12:36; gossip, and slander.
1 Peter 2:1; Ephesians 4:31 — Instructions to avoid malice and bitterness.
APOCRYPHA:
Natsarim 3:15-17; 3:26-27; 9:17-19; 15:12 — Teachings from the Natsarim text emphasizing repentance and holiness.
2 Esdras 1:12-23 — YHVH's call to repentance.
Sirach 4:11-19 — Wisdom as a guide and protector.
Ascension of Isaiah 3:19-31 — Prophecy regarding judgment and righteousness.
Notes:
Slander:
Defaming someone by making false statements intended to harm their reputation.
Gossip:
Idle talk or rumors about others, often spreading personal or intimate details unnecessarily.
The Wicked's Unthankfulness:
The Israelites' craving for meat without thankfulness serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude. YHVH's judgment fell upon them when they indulged in eating flesh without reverence, and the place was named Graves of the Desires of Flesh.
Questions:
What did you find most interesting in this Torah portion?
Can you identify Y'shua in this week's Torah portion?
What is the general theme of this week's reading?
How can you apply this week's teachings to your life?
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