Caleb Malia - Dvar Torah

Shabbat Shalom!

Today’s Torah portion is Nasso, which can be found in the book of Bamidbar. Naso means to take a census, which is a collection of data mostly used to account for the population. My parsha begins by taking a census of the Gershonites, who are a specific division of the Levites, one of the twelve tribes encamped around the Mishkan, to count for the people needed for tasks required in looking after the Mishkan, such as carrying the fabrics and furniture of the Tabernacle.

My parsha then tells us about a specific type of person called a nazir. These people create a vow to dedicate themselves to Hashem. Nazirs are restricted from 3 things: not being able to eat grapes, they are not allowed to cut their hair or come into contact with someone or something that has died. After their vow as a nazir ends, they must bring a sacrifice without blemish to show how committed they were. 

It was really interesting to learn about nazirs since we don't see people like this today. Much like these nazirs who dedicated themselves to extra effort, I have been committed to practising for my bar mitzvah. Going to my lessons, going to shul or doing tefilah every morning.  

I also push myself hard when training for sport or working hard at school.  I do try my best in these things - just like the Nazir. 

My portion also made me think about the journeys of our ancestors - not just the Israelites in the Torah, but also my more recent ancestors. 

My mom’s great-grandparents came from Lithuania. They had to leave all their personal belongings behind. They had to start a new life in South Africa. In the same way, my dad’s parents had to hop on a boat from the UK for 6 weeks to get to South Africa.

Today marks my journey towards becoming a Jewish adult.  I am looking forward to the years ahead.

Shabbat shalom