Keep Counting

THE BIG IDEA

It turns out that just because a nation has been directly touched by the Source Energy of the Universe, and is designated for eternal holy service, does not make them immune to transgressions, afflictions, and jealousies. 

In fact, one might argue, it is through the innate human impulses of this people, and their ability to overcome or avoid transgressions by following the revealed spiritual law of the Torah, that the Source Energy of the Universe is able to progress spiritual consciousness in the world.

And so, on schedule with current world events unfolding in God’s designated holy land, and my reading of the Torah Omens, this is an excellent time to contemplate the way we resolve conflicts and process both justified and unjustified jealousy in our lives and unequal world. Take special note of the responsibility that falls on the accused  who, according to the Torah tradition, is required to be ritualistically cleared or condemned before the nation (in the case of the married woman accused of adultery).

Would you drink a cup of bitter water before your community, or hand one to the person you suspected of lying and cheating to remove any jealousy from your life or home?

What would you be willing to do in order to remove jealousy and suspicion from yourself, or from an entire nation if such a thing were possible? What if you weren’t exactly ‘innocent’ would you still respect the process?

This week’s energy also offers a blessing that is most desperately needed in the promised land. I want to take moment to extend God’s explicit blessing, revealed in this week’s narrative, to the people on his promised land, and this entire planet. Peace be upon us.

יְבָרֶכְךָ֥ יְהוָ֖ה וְיִשְׁמְרֶֽךָ׃ The LORD bless you and protect you!

יָאֵ֨ר יְהוָ֧ה ׀ פָּנָ֛יו אֵלֶ֖יךָ וִֽיחֻנֶּֽךָּ׃ The LORD deal kindly and graciously with you!

יִשָּׂ֨א יְהוָ֤ה ׀ פָּנָיו֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְךָ֖ שָׁלֽוֹם׃The LORD bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!

DEEPER DIVE

In some way the entire Exodus story was necessitated by unprocessed  jealousy. From the moment Jacob’s sons sold their brother Joseph into slavery, the fate of the Abrahamic revelation took a turn for which we are still responsible

Jealousy, a state with which the creative essence of the universe identifies when it comes to his people worshipping other gods, is not something to be ignored.

**It also feels important to note that jealousy is also a state that seems to land on the feminine, and most often women.

This week, NASSO begins again with the counting and arrangement of those in holy service around the mishkan, and brings us to a further clarification of spiritual alignment.

All aspects of life that take a person out of divine connection (consciously or unconsciously) like disease or death must be processed outside the encampment.

All sins, transgressions or ways a person has wronged another must be repaid and repaired with an additional tax going to the person wronged (or the priest if the person or family of the person is not able to receive it).

Jealousy, both justified and unjustified must be addressed and processed in a public ritual. For details click here

And men or women that want to commit their lives to holy service (not from the tribe of Levites designated for it) are able to take the status of the Nazir, and given a set of guidelines for the terms of their abstinence.

The narrative ends with each tribe’s leader donating equally to the holy tent, and Moses speaking directly to the spirit of the universe that now dwells within the camp.

Making this an excellent time to tap into that divine energy that is present this week.

INNER WORK GUIDE

How do you use to resolve conflicts in your daily life?

Is there a guidebook that you follow? Can you see the way your internal states effect those around you? How quickly are you willing to address the issue and bring it to a resolve?

How do you clear jealousy from your personal life? What about as a society?

Try this for fun:

Imagine yourself in front of the High Priest. Imagine him creating a drink of bitter waters with the name of God within it. Imagine accepting the blessing or curse that will come from the act, and drinking it. Imagine clearing yourself from suspicion once and for all. Or imagine yourself to be condemned for all to see.

Consider:

How would that process benefit the health of your personal life, and social standing?

Does it feel fair to the accused?

——

That is it for this week. Wishing internal peace, and external joy for each and every one of us.

Peace and Love be on this land.
Shabbat shalom.

with love,

hava