28 May 2026 Naso (Chutz La’Aretz) – Beha’aloscha (E”Y) 5786: The Power to Elevate

In the beginning of Parshas Naso, the Torah continues the census of the nation. Hashem commands Moshe: נָשֹׂא אֶת רֹאשׁ בְּנֵי גֵרְשׁוֹן – Take a census (lit. lift up the heads) of the sons of Gershon (Bamidbar 4:22). On a simple level, the Torah is instructing Moshe to count the numbers. Yet the commentators note that the Torah does not merely say “count.” Instead, it uses the language of elevation – “lift up.”

This teaches us something powerful about the Torah’s view of every individual. To count a person in the Torah is not merely to record a number. It is to recognize his value and unique role within Am Yisrael. Every individual matters and carries dignity and purpose.

Interestingly, this theme of elevation appears repeatedly throughout the parsha.

The Torah speaks about the responsibilities of the Leviim, each family entrusted with its own sacred task in carrying the Mishkan. It discusses the procedure that takes place with the Sotah, the woman suspected of being unfaithful to her husband. It presents the laws of the Nazir, a person striving for a heightened level of holiness and self-discipline. And the parsha culminates with Birkas Kohanim, through which the Kohanim bless the nation with peace, protection, and Divine grace.

Although these topics appear very different from one another, what emerges is that they are all connected by a single underlying idea: the ability to elevate.

The Leviim elevate physical labor into avodas Hashem. The Nazir seeks to elevate himself spiritually through restraint and discipline. Birkas Kohanim elevates the nation through blessing. Even the process of the Sotah is ultimately intended to restore dignity, harmony, and holiness to the relationship between husband and wife.

Again and again, Parshas Naso teaches that the role of Torah is to elevate ourselves and those around us.

This idea finds especially powerful expression in Birkas Kohanim. The Torah commands the kohanim: כֹּה תְבָרְכוּ אֶת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל – So shall you bless the Children of Israel: May Hashem bless you and guard you. May Hashem illuminate His countenance toward you and show you favor. May Hashem lift His countenance toward you and grant you peace (Bamidbar 6:23-26).

While these brachos encompass every dimension of life – physical, spiritual, Divine closeness, and peace – perhaps the most remarkable aspect of these blessings is that Hashem chooses human beings to serve as the vehicle through which His blessing is conveyed.

The concluding pasuk states: וַאֲנִי אֲבָרְכֵם – And I shall bless them (6:27). The blessing ultimately comes from Hashem alone. Yet the Kohanim are entrusted with the sacred privilege of becoming the conduit through which that blessing reaches the nation.

This carries a powerful message.

Every Jew has the ability to elevate others. Sometimes elevation occurs through formal acts of leadership or teaching. But often it takes place through far simpler actions: a kind word of encouragement, a moment of patience, sincere concern for another person. A person can lift someone else emotionally, spiritually, or psychologically through the way he speaks, listens, and behaves.

In this sense, the message of “Naso” extends far beyond the census at the beginning of the parsha. We are all capable of “lifting” others.

This idea is especially relevant in the world in which we live. So much of society around us encourages comparison, criticism, and competition. People often feel ignored, discouraged, or diminished. In such a world, the gift of elevating another person becomes extraordinarily significant.

Small actions can transform another person’s day, and perhaps even another person’s life. The Torah reminds us that true greatness is not measured only by personal achievement. It is also measured by the extent to which we elevate those around us.

This also explains why the parsha concludes with the offerings of the Nesi’im, the tribal princes. Although each Nasi brought the exact same korban, the Torah repeats every offering individually.

This repetition teaches us an important lesson. In the eyes of Hashem, no individual is overlooked. Each offering mattered because each leader mattered. Once again, the Torah teaches the importance of recognizing and elevating the individual.

As Parshas Beha’aloscha is read this week in E”Y, the image of the Menorah being kindled provides a beautiful parallel to this idea. The flames of the Menorah spread light outward, illuminating the surrounding space. In many ways, this reflects the message of Naso as well. A Jew is called upon not only to grow personally, but to bring light, blessing, and elevation to others.

Indeed, this is one of the central missions of living a Torah life: not only to seek personal spiritual growth, but to become a person who uplifts others; a person – and a nation – whose presence brings encouragement, dignity, kindness, and light.

May we merit to recognize the value within ourselves and within every member of Klal Yisrael. May we use our words, actions, and relationships to elevate those around us. And in this merit, may Hashem bless all of Klal Yisrael with protection, peace, unity, and abundant bracha.

בברכת בשורות טובות ושבת שלום,

Michal