All We are Saying, Is Give Peace a Chance

Naso

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Précis: The parasha opens with a continuation of the listing of the Levitical families and their duties regarding the transportation of holy vessels. This is followed by a brief commandment concerning restitution for wrongs. The parasha then turns to a mysterious procedure for testing a wife’s fidelity when questioned by her husband. Next we have a discussion of the laws of Nazerites, and the recitation of the “Priestly Benediction.” The parasha concludes with the presentation of identical gifts by each tribe for the dedication of the Altar.

Numbers 6:22-26 “And Adonai spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, “This is how you will bless the children of Israel; say to them: May Adonai bless you and watch over you. May Adonai make His face shine to you and be gracious to you. May Adonai raise His face to you and give you peace.”


“Shalom, Shalom,
You'll find Shalom
The nicest greeting you know;
It means bonjour, salud, and skoal
And twice as much as hello.
It means a million lovely things,
Like peace be yours,
Welcome home.
And even when you say goodbye,
You say goodbye with Shalom.”


The lyrics are from the Broadway musical “Milk and Honey” and describe attributes of the word “shalom.”

As is noted in Etz Hayim, the word “shalom” has a wide variety of meanings in Biblical Hebrew: completeness, safety, soundness, security, welfare, health, prosperity, peace and quiet, tranquility, contentment, friendship, and peace from war. Shalom is so significant that the Amidah, Kaddish, and Birkat Hamazon all end with a prayer for peace. “Shalom” is thus much more than a way to say hello and goodbye.

“Shalom” is both inward-looking and outward-looking. We speak of “shalom bayit” (literally, peace in the home, but meaning peaceful relations with family and with others) and we pray for shalom between Israel and its neighbors. Prayers and blessings of peace abound in Jewish liturgy, and peace is a focal point throughout rabbinic literature. Our dream of a Messianic Age is defined by the concept.

We are a people who have, for thousands of years, sought peace among ourselves and peace with those with whom we live. Following the recent trip of PM Netanyahu to the United States (and the attendant controversy occasioned by President Obama’s remarks about negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians), it seems an opportune time for all of us to focus on the blessings intoned by the Priests, and by which we bless our children on Shabbat, eloquently calling for peace.