A strong sense of unity and belonging within our community

This week, as we journey through the wilderness, we are together, assigning roles to different families among the Israelites. We have our freedom, our commandments, and our specific roles for each tribe, all the while highlighting the uniqueness of each individual.  The life we see being built for our ancestors is not just about balance, but also about a strong sense of unity and belonging within our community.

Parashat Naso culminates with a profound discussion on the Nazarite vow, a practice open to all, irrespective of gender identity, for a minimum of 30 days.  This concept, so pivotal in this portion, is underscored by our haftarah for the week, which delves into the birth of Shimshon, or Samson, our most renowned Nazarite.

If you read about Shimshon, you learn that he was a Nazarite from before birth.  His life was to be separated from temptations, pleasures, and ego that exist in the world.  This separation - abstaining from wine and grape products, not cutting their hair, and refraining from contact with the dead is meant to draw you closer to the divine and be in a more profound connection with your higher levels of soul.

Shimshon was the exception to the rule, however. After taking the Nazarite Vow, one was to bring a sin offering to the temple.  Separating yourself in a more holy place than your community and denying yourself the joys of human life is not meant to be a permanent way of life.  This practice is, however, a reset button to help the individual balance their outer, inner, and spiritual life.

The Torah teaches us to occupy the correct amount of space. It guides us to not disconnect ourselves from the divine and live a superficial, indulgent life. It also warns us not to disconnect ourselves from our community, live more piously than others, and appear to be judgmental. The key is to find the right balance to live in harmony with both our spiritual and worldly aspects.  Those living too piously are meant to take a break, check their ego, and rejoin the community.  Those living too superficially are meant to take a break, check their ego,  and reconnect with their divine nature.

In the wilderness, we were on a new journey to finding ourselves and defining our new relationship with the divine.  With every relationship, it’s healthy to check in to see if you are truly present and being your best self.  As humans, it’s OK when we miss the mark as long as we keep trying.

In our modern way of life, it’s worth considering what being a Nazarite today would mean. It could be as simple as doing less—taking a break from buying the newest, most fashionable clothing, getting manicures or pedicures, indulging a little less in treats—or just enjoying the simplicity life can offer.  

Shabbat observance, being a little more present with your family and the divine while practicing mindfulness, is a beautiful first step.  Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Shoshana Karlin