The name of the Torah portion, “Naso” comes from the Hebrew
root “nasa,” which means “to lift up.” In the first part of the parasha, it
refers to lifting up of the heads – the counting - of the members of the clans
of Gershon, Merari and Kohath. The census of the Israelites, post-Sinai, is now
complete. These three clans of Levites are assigned their sacred duties of “masa,”
or porterage (schlepping,) this word originating from the same root “nasa.” Each
clan is responsible for carrying various pieces of the Tabernacle.
This theme of schlepping, bearing burdens and lifting – in the
physical and the spiritual sense - continues through the portion:
- The Nazir voluntarily takes on the burden of a vow to God, which includes abstaining from wine, not cutting his/her hair, and not being in the presence of a corpse. After the period of the vow is complete, s/he brings a long list of offerings to God, some of which are lifted up/elevated in God’s presence.
- The woman whose husband suspects her of adultery must bear the consequences of his jealousy and put herself through an ordeal conducted by the priest, to determine her guilt or innocence.
- God gives Aaron and the priests the words that they are to use to bless the people. The threefold blessing ends with the words “yisa Adonai panav eleicha v’yasem l’cha shalom,” “May God lift God’s face towards you and grant you peace.” Here the verb “nasa” is used to describe the experience of receiving a Divine blessing of well-being.
- Finally, for twelve days, the chieftains of each tribe schlep heavy donations of oxen, wagons, silver and gold to dedicate to the Tabernacle.
