Zohar Summarised By Torah Portion: Behaalotecha (Numbers 8:1–12:16)
Summary of the Torah Portion
“Behaalotecha” is a portion that begins with instructions regarding the lighting of the Menorah and includes various events and laws that reflect the ongoing journey and challenges of the Israelites in the wilderness. It covers the consecration of the Levites, the observance of Passover, the guidance of the cloud over the Tabernacle, the Israelites’ complaints, and the appointment of seventy elders to assist Moses. The portion concludes with the story of Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses.
Key Themes and Events:
The Lighting of the Menorah:
- The portion begins with God instructing Aaron through Moses on how to light the Menorah in the Tabernacle. The flames of the Menorah are to be lit in such a way that they all face the central shaft, symbolizing unity and the focus on divine light.
Consecration of the Levites:
- The Levites are consecrated for service in the Tabernacle, taking the place of the firstborn sons of Israel. The ceremony includes purification rituals, the offering of sacrifices, and the laying on of hands by the people, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility to the Levites.
Observance of the Second Passover (Pesach Sheni):
- The portion includes the institution of the “Second Passover” (Pesach Sheni), a second opportunity for those who were unable to celebrate Passover at the appointed time due to ritual impurity or being on a distant journey. This law underscores the importance of Passover and offers a chance for those who missed the first celebration to fulfil this commandment.
The Guiding Cloud Over the Tabernacle:
- The Israelites are guided on their journey by a cloud that covers the Tabernacle by day and appears as fire by night. The movement of the cloud determines when the Israelites set out and when they camp, symbolizing God’s constant presence and guidance.
The Silver Trumpets:
- Moses is instructed to make two silver trumpets to be used for assembling the congregation and directing the movements of the camps. The trumpets are also to be blown in times of war and on joyous occasions, symbolizing communication and divine intervention.
Complaints and Quail:
- The Israelites complain about their hardships and the lack of variety in their diet, particularly their desire for meat. God responds by sending quail to satisfy their craving but also sends a plague as a consequence of their greed.
- Moses, overwhelmed by the burden of leadership, expresses his despair to God. In response, God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders to share the burden of leadership, and these elders receive a portion of Moses’ spirit.
Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses:
- Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses regarding his Cushite wife and question his unique relationship with God. God responds by affirming Moses’ unparalleled prophetic status and punishing Miriam with leprosy. Moses prays for her healing, and after seven days outside the camp, she is healed and rejoined with the people.
The Zohar on Behaalotecha
The Zohar, the central text of Kabbalistic thought, provides profound mystical insights into the events and commandments in “Behaalotecha,” focusing on the spiritual significance of the Menorah, the guidance of the cloud, the complaints of the Israelites, and the role of Moses as a leader.
The Menorah as a Symbol of Divine Light
The Zohar interprets the Menorah as a powerful symbol of divine light and wisdom. The seven branches of the Menorah represent the seven lower Sephirot (divine attributes), and the light that emanates from them symbolizes the diffusion of divine wisdom throughout the world.
The Zohar states:
“The Menorah is a reflection of the divine light that illuminates all creation. Its seven branches correspond to the seven lower Sephirot, through which the divine light is channeled into the world. When Aaron lights the Menorah, he is not merely performing a ritual act but is awakening the divine light within the souls of Israel, ensuring that the spiritual light of wisdom shines brightly in the world.” (Zohar III:146a)
This interpretation emphasizes the Menorah as more than just a physical object; it is a conduit for spiritual illumination, both for the individual and the community.
The Guiding Cloud as Divine Providence
The Zohar delves into the significance of the cloud that guides the Israelites, viewing it as a manifestation of divine providence and protection. The cloud symbolizes God’s constant presence and the divine guidance that accompanies the people on their journey.
The Zohar explains:
“The cloud that guides the Israelites is a symbol of the Shechinah, the divine presence that dwells among the people. It is through the movement of this cloud that the will of the Holy One, blessed be He, is revealed, guiding the people on their journey. The cloud represents divine providence, ensuring that the people are always in the right place at the right time, protected and cared for by the divine hand.” (Zohar III:148b)
This teaching highlights the idea that the cloud is a visible sign of God’s care and guidance, reminding the Israelites that they are never alone on their journey.
The Complaints of the Israelites and Spiritual Descent
The Zohar reflects on the Israelites’ complaints as a sign of spiritual descent and a lack of trust in God’s provision. The craving for meat symbolizes a return to physical desires and a rejection of the spiritual sustenance provided by God.
The Zohar teaches:
“The complaints of the Israelites represent a spiritual fall, where the people turn away from the higher sustenance of the divine and crave the lower, physical pleasures. This craving for meat symbolizes a rejection of the manna, which is the bread of heaven, and a return to the desires of the flesh. The quail that God sends is a response to their descent, and the subsequent plague is a consequence of their inability to maintain their spiritual elevation.” (Zohar III:151a)
This interpretation suggests that the Israelites’ complaints are not merely about physical hunger but reflect a deeper spiritual struggle, where they fail to fully embrace the divine gifts provided to them.
Moses as the Faithful Shepherd
The Zohar also explores the role of Moses as the “faithful shepherd,” a leader who embodies the highest levels of spiritual connection and selflessness. Moses’ burden of leadership and his plea for help are seen as expressions of his deep care for the people and his awareness of the challenges of guiding them.
The Zohar states:
“Moses, the faithful shepherd, carries the burden of the entire community on his shoulders. His plea to God for assistance is not a sign of weakness but an expression of his deep love for the people, recognizing that the task of guiding them is too great for one person alone. The appointment of the seventy elders is a testament to Moses’ humility and his understanding that true leadership involves sharing the divine spirit with others.” (Zohar III:153b)
This teaching highlights Moses’ unique role as a leader who is deeply connected to God and fully committed to the well-being of his people, willing to share his responsibilities to ensure their spiritual and physical welfare.
Miriam’s Challenge and the Nature of Prophecy
The Zohar delves into the story of Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses, interpreting it as a lesson about the unique nature of Moses’ prophetic experience. The punishment of Miriam is seen as a demonstration of the sanctity of Moses’ relationship with God and the consequences of challenging that divine connection.
The Zohar explains:
“Miriam and Aaron’s questioning of Moses reflects a misunderstanding of the unique nature of his prophecy. Moses’ connection with God is unlike any other; it is direct, clear, and constant. When Miriam challenges this, she challenges the very foundation of divine communication. Her punishment serves as a reminder of the sanctity of Moses’ role and the need to respect the channels through which divine wisdom is revealed.” (Zohar III:155a)
This interpretation emphasizes the special status of Moses as a prophet and the importance of respecting the unique relationship he has with God.
Kabbalistic Interpretations
Various Kabbalists have expanded on the Zohar’s teachings on “Behaalotecha,” offering further insights into the mystical significance of the Menorah, the guiding cloud, and the role of Moses as a leader.
Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal)
The Arizal teaches that the lighting of the Menorah corresponds to the process of spiritual rectification, where each flame represents a different aspect of the soul that is being purified and elevated. The act of lighting the Menorah is seen as a way to draw down divine light into the physical world, illuminating the path for spiritual growth.
“Each flame of the Menorah represents a different aspect of the soul’s journey toward perfection. When Aaron lights the Menorah, he is performing a Tikkun, a spiritual rectification that draws down divine light and elevates the soul. This light guides the soul on its journey, ensuring that it remains aligned with the divine will.” (Arizal’s teachings)
Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak)
Ramak emphasizes the importance of divine providence as symbolized by the guiding cloud. He teaches that the cloud represents the continuous presence of God in the life of the individual and the community, guiding them through both physical and spiritual challenges.
“The cloud that guided the Israelites is a symbol of divine providence, the constant presence of God that guides each person on their journey. This providence is not limited to physical guidance but extends to every aspect of life, ensuring that the soul remains on the path of righteousness and spiritual fulfillment. The cloud serves as a reminder that God is always with us, providing direction and protection as we navigate the challenges of life.” (Ramak’s teachings)
Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam)
Baal HaSulam offers a psychological interpretation, viewing the complaints of the Israelites and the story of the quail as reflective of the inner struggle between spiritual aspirations and physical desires. He teaches that the craving for meat symbolizes the temptation to regress into base desires, which can obstruct spiritual progress.
“The Israelites’ craving for meat represents the internal conflict between the soul’s higher aspirations and the body’s lower desires. The quail and the ensuing plague symbolize the consequences of allowing physical desires to dominate one’s spiritual path. True spiritual progress requires discipline and the ability to transcend these lower impulses, aligning oneself with the divine will.” (Baal HaSulam’s teachings)
Conclusion
The Torah portion “Behaalotecha,” as explored through the Zohar and Kabbalistic teachings, provides profound insights into the spiritual significance of the Menorah, the guiding cloud, the complaints of the Israelites, and the unique role of Moses as a leader. The portion emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection with divine light, trusting in divine providence, and striving for spiritual elevation amidst the challenges of the physical world.
Key Lessons from “Behaalotecha”:
- The Menorah as a Beacon of Divine Light: The lighting of the Menorah symbolizes the continuous flow of divine wisdom and light into the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping the divine flame alive within our souls, guiding us toward spiritual enlightenment and connection with God.
- Divine Providence and Guidance: The guiding cloud represents God’s constant presence and care for the Israelites, reminding us of the importance of trusting in divine guidance in our own lives. Whether we are moving forward or waiting, God’s providence is always at work, leading us on the right path.
- The Spiritual Challenge of Desires: The complaints of the Israelites and the story of the quail highlight the tension between spiritual aspirations and physical desires. This portion teaches us the importance of maintaining spiritual discipline and not allowing base desires to detract from our higher goals.
- Moses as the Exemplary Leader: Moses’ role as the faithful shepherd underscores the qualities of true leadership: humility, selflessness, and a deep connection with God. His ability to share his spirit with the seventy elders demonstrates the importance of collaboration and the need for leaders to empower others in the service of the community.
- Respect for Prophetic Authority: The story of Miriam and Aaron’s challenge to Moses reminds us of the sanctity of the prophetic relationship with God and the importance of respecting those who have been chosen to convey divine wisdom.
Through these teachings, “Behaalotecha” encourages us to seek spiritual illumination, trust in divine guidance, and strive for holiness in all aspects of our lives, while recognizing the unique roles and responsibilities that each of us carries on our spiritual journey.
