Parashat Nasso
Rabbi’s Drosh
This week’s parasha is famous for containing the priestly blessing and it has the largest number of letters, words, and verses of any of the 54 weekly Torah portions. The parasha is made up of 176 verses
Interestingly, The longest chapter in Psalms (Psalm 119) also has 176 verses and the longest tractate in the Talmud (Baba Batra) has 176 pages too.
Why 176? The significance may be found in Psalm 119. The reason that Psalm 119 has 176 verses because it follows a pattern whereby the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet are used to begin 8 verses each. That is, 22-times-8 equals 176.
The number 22 represents something that is complete or whole - it is the full representation of the 22 letters of the Alef-Bet. The number 8 represents that which is above nature and of the spiritual realm. That is why Brit Milah is held on the 8th day of a baby boy's life.
With all that is happening in Israel and the ways it is being misrepresented around the world, what an appropriate week for us to channel completeness (22) and miracles that are above nature (8) and with the comfort of the priestly blessing in this week’s parasha.
Let us take comfort in these holy words:
יְבָרֶכְךָ ה' וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ.
יָאֵר ה' פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ.
יִשָּׂא ה' פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם.
‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift His face upon you and grant you peace’ .
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Shavuot with Kadimah
Our Kadimah kids love getting up close and personal with the Torah as we learn about Shavuot and celebrate this special festival. We also enjoyed seeing some of the Kadimah kids at shul for more Shavuot fun at Natanya Da Costa’s fabulous kid’s programme!
Kosher Chocolate Inspection
Another busy week with Kosher Kiwi! Some of my visits are more delicious that others and I must say it was a real pleasure to visit our clients at Icelandic Holdings who produce a variety of products including Cocoa Farm chocolate.
Yad Vashem Alumni Teachers
It was a real honour to host the Alumni teachers/students from the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand’s Yad Vashem programme this week. This inspiring group teach what they have learned in schools throughout New Zealand.
An Evening of Brilliant Speakers
A huge thank you to all of our speakers who presented at Shavuot Tikkun Leil. The variety of topics and passion of the speakers made for an enriching evening of learning… not to mention delicious cheesecake from the Kosher Deli. Chag Sameach everyone!
Rabbi Lord Sacks z”l Memorial Library Update
We have been working with the international donors to finalise the details for the Memorial Libraries for AHC and WJCC which will be dedicated for the Rabbi’s first yahrzeit. This generous gift to our community will be funded by those who were blessed to tour with the Rabbi.
A Personal Highlight…Teeth!!!
On a personal note, we are excited to announce that Achiya is now the proud owner of two teeth, with another two on the way.
He’s been showing them off at Kadimah, Shalom Court, the Yad Vashem Alumni dinner, and of course at Shabbat and Shavuot services!