Parshat Naso; Numbers 4:21-7:89, by Rabbi Denise Eger
Parshat Naso is the second portion in the book of Numbers and covers wide range of topics. Including perhaps some of the most famous words of Torah—the priestly benediction.
But also in this week’s portion is a discussion of the vows of a Nazarite. A Nazarite is a man or a woman who makes special vow to God. The text says that they make a vow “to set himself apart for God.” This seems as if it is a special category of dedication to God. This vow is symbolized by certain practices which included refraining from alcohol and any grape or grape product; not cutting the hair; and not coming into contact with the dead thus coming in contact with ritual impurity.
Some of these restrictions remind us of those placed on the priesthood-the Cohanim. They too must not come into contact with the dead and could not marry a divorced woman. These special circumstances provide the individual with a unique obligation beyond the regular mitzvot required as a Jew.
Perhaps the most famous Nazarite is none other than Samson. We read of his birth in the book of Judges, which is also the Haftarah for this week. In Samson’s case he is pledged as a Nazarite from birth. Even Samson’s mother is told by an angel of God—“You shall conceive and bear a son. Now be careful not to drink wine or other intoxicant or to eat anything unclean. For you are going to conceive and bear a son; let no razor touch his head, for the boy is to be a Nazirite to God from the womb on.” (Judges 13:3-5).
The story of Samson and his strength is well known. He fell in love with Delilah
who became an agent of the Philistines, the enemy of the Israelites and Samson. He eventually told her that his hair was his strength. In his sleep she cut off his hair and “his strength departed from him.” (Judges 16:19).
But the truth of Samson and of the Nazirite is that their strength was not in the hair but in their vow to God. Samson’s physical strength was a manifestation of his spiritual strength symbolized in his hair. The Nazirite vow and the unique discipline and dedication to God of the Nazirite builds within the individual a special bond and a special inner fortitude. Samson’s strength would return to him once he repented and resumed his discipline as a Nazarite. That strength was really his spirituality and connection with God. His vow as a Nazirite gave him a self-mastery and self-control that was blessed by God.
This should cause us to reflect on our spiritual disciplines. What promises do we make to God and keep? What ways can we become closer to the Divine Holy One? What ways can we build up our own reservoir of strength to face an increasingly difficult world.
The values of today’s world don’t embrace discipline or self-restraint. Instead all around us we see people throw caution to the wind. And yet there is an elegant beauty and power in a regular spiritual life and spiritual discipline.
There are many seekers. People want meaning in life and meaning in our world. People want to find their place and do everything and anything to find it. And yet, the ancient wisdom of a spiritual discipline cannot be ignored. For in having a spiritual regime meaning can be woven into a beautiful garment of strength and contentment.
This is the lesson for us of the Nazirite. This is the lesson of leading Jewish life. May Samson’s vows of the Nazirite inspire us to take seriously our own religious and spiritual responsibilities and help us weave them into a beautiful garment of meaning, strength and blessing.
Posted by Lee at June 6, 2006 11:52 AM
