Torah Connection - Naso

OK, I'll take the easy way out.  I will not grapple with issues of the treatment of the Sotah or the Nazir in this parsha, nor rehash the rationale behind 12 identical offerings from the leaders of each tribe.  You can look here if you want to, for a whole lot of interpretations.

This parsha contains the Priestly Blessing, traditionally offered by those of "Kohen" birth in Orthodox congregations, as well as by parents for their children on Shabbat and upon life cycle events.

וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה, אֶל-מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר.	22 And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying:
כג  דַּבֵּר אֶל-אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל-בָּנָיו לֵאמֹר, כֹּה תְבָרְכוּ אֶת-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל:  אָמוֹר, לָהֶם.	23 'Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying: On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel; ye shall say unto them:
כד  יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ.	24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee;
כה  יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ.	25 The LORD make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;
כו  יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם.	26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
כז  וְשָׂמוּ אֶת-שְׁמִי, עַל-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל; וַאֲנִי, אֲבָרְכֵם.	27 So shall they put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.'

The blessings are threefold:

1.  May the Lord bless you and keep you - material well-being
2.  May the Lord's face shine upon you and grace you - inspiration
3.  May the Lord lift His face to you and grant you peace - fulfillment


First we pray for the basics -- let us not worry where our next meal is coming from.  Then, let us set our sights upon a worthy goal.  Finally, may we have the grace and uplift to fulfill on our goals, that we may have completeness (שָׁלוֹם is the root of both "peace" and "completeness").


כן יהי רצון

So may it be (G*d's) will.