BehaAlotecha: The Menorah in the Mishkan

Numbers 8:1-12:16

OVERVIEW

Aaron is taught the method for kindling the menorah. Moses sanctifies the levi'im to work in the Mishkan. They replace the firstborn, who were disqualified after sinning through the golden calf. The levi'im are commanded that after five years of training they are to serve in the Mishkan from ages 30 to 50; afterwards they are to engage in less strenuous work. One year after the Exodus from Egypt, Hashem commands Moses concerning the korban Pesach. Those ineligible for this offering request a remedy, and the mitzvah of Pesach Sheini, allowing a "second chance" to offer the korban Pesach one month later, is detailed. Miraculous clouds that hover near the Mishkan signal when to travel and when to camp. Two silver trumpets summon the princes or the entire nation for announcements. The trumpets also signal travel plans, war or festivals. The order in which the tribes march is specified. Moses invites his father-in-law, Jethro, to join the Jewish People, but Jethro returns to Midian. At the instigation of the eruv rav -- the mixed Egyptian multitude who joined the Jewish People in the Exodus -- some people complain about the manna. Moses protests that he is unable to govern the nation alone. Hashem tells him to select 70 elders, the first Sanhedrin, to assist him, and informs him that the people will be given meat until they will be sickened by it. Two candidates for the group of elders prophesy beyond their mandate, foretelling that Joshua instead of Moses will bring the people to Canaan. Some protest, including Joshua, but Moses is pleased that others have become prophets. Hashem sends an incessant supply of quail for those who complained that they lacked meat. A plague punishes those who complained. Miriam makes a constructive remark to Aaron which also implies that Moses is only like other prophets. Hashem explains that Moses's prophecy is superior to that of any other prophet, and punishes Miriam with tzara'at as if she had gossiped about her brother. Moses prays for her, and the nation waits until she is cured before traveling.

Overview courtesy of Rabbis Newman and Sinclair, Ohr Somayach