Behaalotcha is the third portion in the book of Numbers, known as Bemidbar in Hebrew. It continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. The portion begins with instructions for lighting the menorah, the sacred seven-branched candelabrum, which was to be kindled daily in the Tabernacle. This act of lighting the menorah symbolizes the eternal flame of divine presence and serves as a reminder of our connection to God.
The portion then discusses the consecration of the Levites, the tribe chosen for sacred service in the Tabernacle. Through a process involving purification, sprinkling of water mixed with the ashes of a red heifer, and a ritual of shaving, the Levites are set apart for their holy duties. They were given the responsibility of assisting the priests, the descendants of Aaron, in the service of the Tabernacle.
Behaalotcha also discusses the observance of the Passover festival. God commands the Israelites to celebrate Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month of the year. However, there were some individuals who were unable to participate in the initial Passover due to being ritually impure or on a journey. God provides a second opportunity for them to observe Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month.
The Israelites continue their journey towards the Promised Land. They follow the divine cloud that guides them during the day and a pillar of fire that illuminates their path at night. This imagery serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, God's presence remains a guiding light for the Israelites.
The narrative then shifts to the Israelites’ complaints and their desire for meat to eat. The People had been sustained by the manna, a miraculous bread-like substance provided by God, but they began to yearn for the variety of food they had in Egypt. Disregarding their suppression as slaves, they lament the food of Egypt:
“If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost – also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!"
Moses, feeling overwhelmed by the people's complaints, turns to God for help. God responds by promising to provide meat for the people. However, this response comes with a rebuke, as God questions the people's lack of faith and gratitude.
A great number of quails descend upon the camp, allowing the people to satisfy their craving for meat. However, their desire for excessive consumption turns into a test from God. While the people were still chewing the meat, a severe plague struck them. This served as a reminder of the importance of moderation and contentment, and the consequences of giving in to insatiable desires.
Behaalotcha then goes on to tell the story of Miriam and Aaron speaking bad of Moses. It is mentioned that they spoke against Moses concerning his Cushite wife. The exact nature of their criticism is not explicitly stated, but it appears that they had issues with Moses marrying a woman from Cush, which was a region in northeastern Africa. The specific details of this incident are somewhat ambiguous in the text, leaving room for interpretation.
Upon hearing their criticism, God calls the three siblings, Moses, Miriam, and Aaron, to the Tabernacle. God speaks to them and affirms Moses' prophetic authority, emphasizing that Moses is unique and chosen for direct communication with God.
“Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD.”
As a consequence of their actions, God strikes Miriam with leprosy. Miriam becomes afflicted with tzaraat, a skin disease often associated with spiritual impurity. This punishment serves as a stern rebuke and a reminder of the severity of speaking ill of others, particularly those chosen by God for leadership.
Moses, deeply concerned for his sister, intercedes on her behalf, pleading with God to heal her. God listens to Moses' plea and grants her a reprieve after she is isolated outside the camp for seven days.
This incident emphasizes the significance of respect and unity within the community. Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses highlights the potential dangers of jealousy, pride, and questioning the authority of a chosen leader. It also demonstrates the importance of proper speech and refraining from speaking ill of others, as such actions can have severe consequences.
In summary, Behaalotcha delves into various aspects of communal and individual responsibility, including the lighting of the menorah, the consecration of the Levites, the consequences of complaints and ingratitude, the importance of unity and respect, and the symbolism of the divine cloud and pillar of fire. Through these narratives, we are reminded of the significance of maintaining a deep connection with God, living with gratitude, and nurturing a harmonious community.