Parsha Nasso (נָשֹׂא) “Take up”

Torah portion: Bamidbar/Numbers 4:21-7:89
Haphtarah (concluding portion): Judges 13:2-25
Brit Chadasha (New Testament): John 12:20-36

Did you know: Nasso is the second parsha [portion] of sefer [the book of] Bamidbar [Numbers]?

Science: Myth Busters is a TV show where the scientists conduct scientific experiments on various topics. Watch this episode of Myth Busters on YouTube to see which method of sneezing spreads the least amount of germs!

Parenting Moment: Bamidbar/Numbers 5:7 “He must confess the sin which he has committed; and he must make full restitution for his guilt, add twenty percent and give it to the victim of his sin.” It is imperative that as parents we realize that our children are not without sin. Regardless of how much scripture they memorize, how much Torah they listen to, and how well we do to protect them from worldly influences, our children do sin and will continue to sin. As parents, we have the charge to teach them the Torah. The Torah serves two purposes: (1) it defines the problem: sin [1 John 3:4], (2) and points to the solution: Yeshua [Ephesians 2:1-10]. Without understanding that there is a way to rid themselves of the guilt they feel when they sin, our children will be full of shame and be fearful of Adonai. Our goal as parents is to show them the remedy for sin. Every night, we pray for our children and with them. They know that they can come to us to confess their sin. They always feel so much better when we pray with them.

Culinary Fun: Numbers 5: 24 and make the woman drink the water of embitterment and cursing — the water of cursing will enter her and become bitter. Why not try something tasty with bittersweet chocolate? This week we are making this recipe for 3-ingredient Bittersweet Chocolate Truffles Royale from Kraft.

Health: Bamidbar/Numbers 5:1-4 Adonai said to Moshe, 2 “Order the people of Isra’el to expel from the camp everyone with tzara‘at [leprosy], everyone with a discharge and whoever is unclean because of touching a corpse. ³ Both male and female you must expel; put them outside the camp; so that they won’t defile their camp, where I live among you.” ⁴ The people of Isra’el did this and put them outside the camp — the people of Isra’el did what Adonai had said to Moshe. What would happen if the sick dwelt among us and there were no rules for those with contagious diseases? Imagine going to the grocery store and people were vomiting, coughing, and sneezing everywhere. Imagine a world without hand sanitizer or hospitals or essential oils! Abba knew all about how to protect us and He teaches us throughout the Torah how to protect ourselves from the spread of disease. What are some ways you can be safe during cold and flu season? What are some ways that you can protect others when you feel sick?

Haphtarah Connections: In Numbers chapter 6, we learn the rules for one taking a Nazirite vow. Our haphtarah this week is about the conception of Samson. His mom had to watch her diet and make sure that while she was pregnant, she followed the rules of Numbers 6. When he was born, he was not allowed to have a haircut. Judges 13:5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come upon his head; for the child shall be a Nazirite unto God from the womb; and he shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.’

Tongue Twister: This week we learn about the test of the jealous husband and the /bitter waters. Try this fun tongue twister about bitter butter:

Betty Botter had some butter, "But," she said, "this butter's bitter.

If I bake this bitter butter, It would make my batter bitter.

But a bit of better butter, That would make my batter better."

So she bought a bit of butter – Better than her bitter butter –

And she baked it in her batter; And the batter was not bitter.

So 'twas better Betty Botter Bought a bit of better butter.

Brit Chadasha (New Testament) Connection: John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. As with the law of the jealous husband in this week’s parsha, we are promised that following after Yeshua, walking in obedience, being a servant of our Righteous King, and declaring His ways to those around us produces life.