SHABBAT - NASO

In Israel, NASO is read, outside Israel, it depends on your tradition around Shavuot, which is only in 2 days from now. Some people read the traditional Naso, others the Ten Commandments as well as a few other options I've read. Although there is no "obvious" Torah portion that must be read like most weeks, whichever you choose, may it bring you closer to God .. always seeking a personal "face to face" encounter with God.

This week’s Torah reading includes the blessing the priests give to the people of Israel (see the Challah). Interestingly, two of the three lines of the blessing refer to God’s face. “May the Lord shine His face on you…May the Lord raise His face unto you…” The blessing for God to shine His face is a blessing for spiritual enlightenment, insight, a feeling that God’s warmth and light are ever-present. The blessing for God to raise His face is a blessing for direct relationship, for peace and spiritual wholeness.

The priestly blessing underscores the personal, ongoing relationship between God and us. We don’t only need to investigate and “know” God, we need to feel God’s presence, to “seek His face” and be blessed by His “face.”

The late Rabbi Harold Kushner told a story of a man who stopped attending his usual synagogue and was now frequenting another synagogue. One day he happened to meet the rabbi of his previous synagogue, and the rabbi asked him where he was praying these days.

The man answered: “I am praying at a small minyan led by Rabbi Cohen.”

The rabbi was stunned. “Why would you want to pray there with that rabbi. I am a much better orator, I am more famous, I have a much larger following.”

The man replied: “Yes, but in my new synagogue the rabbi has taught me to read minds.”

The rabbi was surprised. “Alright, then, read my mind.”

The man said: “You are thinking of the verse in Psalms, ‘I have set the Lord before me at all times.’”

“You are wrong,” said the rabbi, “I was not thinking about that verse at all.”

The man replied: “Yes, I knew that, and that’s why I’ve moved to the other synagogue. The rabbi there is always thinking of this verse.”

Indeed, an authentically spiritual person is always thinking of this verse, either directly or in the back of one's mind. Such an individual lives in the presence of God.Read more