Weekly Parshah Reflections – Naso

This week’s torah portion of Naso introduces a bizarre ritual called ‘sotah’. In this ritual, a man that suspects his partner of adultery brings her before the priests. They write down a few verses from Torah on parchment and place it into a vessel with water. Once the ink dissolves into the drink, the accused woman must drink it. Another story that we will read in a few weeks time discusses equality for women. One story is enshrined as a rule and the other is merely an inspiring anecdote. Which of the two will bring about true change? If the answer is obvious, may our actions be motivated by these lessons of justice.

Welcome to the “Raising Holy Sparks” podcast! Hope you enjoy these short weekly insights into the torah portion! This week we dive deep into the Parshah of Naso.

Additional sources for your reflection in connection with this week’s torah portion:

• Numbers 5:12 – “If any man’s wife has gone astray and broken faith with him in that a man has had carnal relations with her unbeknown to her husband, and she keeps secret the fact that she has defiled herself without being forced, and there is no witness against her— but a fit of jealousy comes over him and he is wrought up about the wife who has defiled herself; or if a fit of jealousy comes over one and he is wrought up about his wife although she has not defiled herself— the man shall bring his wife to the priest.”