Parshat Beha'alotkha (When You Mount)

The Torah portion is Beha'alotkha, Numbers 8:1-12:16. In synagogues using the Triennial system, 5782 is year 3 and the Torah reading is Numbers 10:35-12:16.

This portion includes a lot of bits and pieces. It speaks of the Levites being separated from the rest of the people for service in the Temple, in place of the firstborn of the people. It also speaks of keeping the festival of Passover in the Wilderness at the beginning of the second year after the Exodus. It speaks of a cloud and fire that covered the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during their journey. It also speaks of building trumpets of silver to be blown for various messages. The parshah also speaks of some instances of rebelliousness: the people complaining about the manna, wanting meat, and Aaron and Miriam complaining about their younger brother Moses being favored over them.

The haftarah is Zechariah 2:14-4:7. This Haftarah speaks about a lampstand, just as the Torah portion began by speaking of the lampstand. It also speaks of a high priest in filthy garments being clothed in fresh garments, just as the Torah portion speaks of cleansing the Levites.