Overview
This Torah portion, Behaalotcha, covers instructions for the lampstand, the cleansing and service of the Levites, the celebration of Passover, the guidance of Israel in the wilderness, the creation of silver trumpets, the people's journey from Sinai, complaints about manna, appointment of elders, provision of quail, and the incident where Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses.
The Seven Lamps and the Lampstand
- Aaron is instructed to arrange seven lamps to give light in front of the lampstand.
- The lampstand is crafted from hammered gold according to the divine pattern.
Cleansing and Assignment of the Levites
- Levites undergo purification rituals, including washing, shaving, and offerings.
- Levites are set apart as substitutes for Israel’s firstborn and dedicated for service.
- After ceremony, Levites begin serving at the tent of meeting.
Retirement of the Levites
- Levites serve from age 25 to 50 and then retire from active duty, continuing to assist their brothers.
The Passover Celebrated
- Israel is instructed to keep Passover at its appointed time in the wilderness.
- Men who are unclean or on a journey may celebrate Passover the following month.
- One law applies to both Israelites and foreigners regarding Passover observance.
The Cloud and Guidance in the Wilderness
- A cloud covers the tabernacle by day and fire by night, guiding Israel’s travel and encampment.
- The people move and camp according to the movement of the cloud by God’s command.
The Silver Trumpets
- Two silver trumpets are made for summoning the congregation and signaling when to break camp.
- Trumpets are also used in times of war and on feast days as a lasting ordinance.
Israel Departs Sinai
- On the 20th day of the second month, the cloud lifts and Israel sets out from Sinai toward Paran.
- Each tribal camp sets out in a prescribed order.
- Moses invites Hobab, his father-in-law's son, to join and guide them.
The People's Complaints and Provision of Meat
- The people complain about hardships and crave meat, recalling foods from Egypt.
- God’s anger burns against the people; Moses prays and the fire dies down.
- Moses expresses difficulty bearing the burden alone.
- God instructs Moses to appoint seventy elders to share leadership.
- God promises a month’s supply of meat as a response to the people’s complaints.
- Quail is provided, but a plague strikes the people for their ingratitude.
Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses
- Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses regarding his wife and prophetic authority.
- God affirms Moses’ unique status and punishes Miriam with leprosy.
- Moses intercedes and Miriam is quarantined for seven days before being restored.