Instruments of Service in the Tent of Meeting

Selections from Naso, Numbers 4.21-7.89

Take a census of the Levites – from age 30 to age 50

From Lamed to Nun, from L to N, a pathway along the tree of life.

This is the lineage of Aharon (a Levite, priest and priestess are in us each)

Carry the cloth of the Tabernacle, of the Sanctuary

The cross bars, the pillars and the sockets, the pegs and the chords,

We carry the cloth of the tabernacle in our hands, in our skin

We are the sockets of the Tabernacle, the cross bars, the pegs and the cords

Each of us is given a response-ability to use in our service

As is appointed to us by God                                                         from Num. 4.21-49                                              

Remove from your midst eruptions, discharges and defilements

Don’t defile your camp in whose midst I dwell (be pure and peaceful as possible)

When we do something wrong to another person

We’re breaking faith with God

Soon as we realize our error, confess it, take responsibility

And make restitution, adding another fifth (going the extra mile)

                                                                                                            from Num. 5.2-10                                                

Be free from the water of bitterness

When a fit of jealousy comes over us, let us stand before God

And carry out a ritual until we’re clear of guilt and distress      

Whoever declares a nazerite (purification) vow to set one’s self apart for God

Abstains from alcohol and all grape products, avoids dead bodies

Doesn’t cut his or her hair, and remain consecrated

Until the completion of the term of purification as a nazerite of God

At such a time come to a place of communion with the divine

Shave off your hair as an offering and rededicate yourself to sacred service

You may bring missing-the-mark (sin) offerings and a burnt offerings

Sin, missing the mark, errors in judgement, gifts to others

Burnt offerings, dedicating one’s self-discipline or suffering as offerings to God

In this way bless people, declaring

   May God bless you and guard you

      May God’s faces shine upon you and grace you

         May God’s face be lifted up to you and give you peace

I am putting my name on YisraEl and blessing you               from Num 5.11- 6.27

God’s name is God’s presence. Each of us is a holy letter

A sacred power and a sacred name.  Whoever is taking himself on is Yisra-El