Listen for the Trumpet

B’haalot’cha
Numbers 8:1 - 12:16


Précis: The parasha begins with a description of the making of the Menorah, a central Jewish symbol. Next, the Levites are given added directions in their roles. The parasha returns to narrative with a recounting of a second Passover celebration (required because some of the Israelites had been ritually impure when the first anniversary of Passover was celebrated). Next comes a discussion of the making of silver trumpets. The cloud of God’s Presence lifts, and the march of the People through the wilderness from Sinai begins. Details are offered about how they proceeded through the desert, led by the Ark. The people begin to murmur again about they lack of meat. God provides the people with meat – after which they are struck with a severe plague. This time, even Miriam and Aaron seem to have complaints about Moses, cast in terms of their critique about his “Cushite woman.” Moses is, as always, vindicated at the end.


Numbers 10:1-2 “Adonai spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Have two silver trumpets made; make them of hammered work. They will serve you to summon the community and to set the divisions in motion.’”


The 18th century Chasidic rebbe, Dov Baer of Mezritch asked, “Why did Moses need to make two trumpets to summon the people and begin their march?” He suggested that the Hebrew word for trumpets, “chatzotz’rot” could be construed as “chatzei tzurot”, or “two sides.” Moses was often considered to lead an almost angelic existence with God, and yet was also a leader of a very real-world community. The two trumpets could be viewed as a way to bridge the gap between the two sides of Moses, or to bridge the gap between an individual (Moses) and the community.


Today, we need more than a single trumpet to get the community in motion, something which can bridge the diversity of the Jewish People and can bridge the mundane and the spiritual sides of our natures. Some “trumpets” can be ritual reminders: a mezuzah, t’fillin, Shabbat, recitations of blessings, etc. Others can be calls to action by our community leaders or clergy. At a time when the Jewish People are so diverse, having a multiplicity of “trumpets” can help insure that all of us begin the march together when we are called.