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This Shabbat we read Parashat Naso. In this Torah portion we encounter the laws of the Nazarite, an individual man or woman who chooses to live by a special code of conduct, one which is certainly not generally expected of a Jewish person. Becoming a Nazarite is optional. It is something which only those who feel a special calling will become involved with. In particular, those who feel a strong inclination to enter themselves into a state of greater holiness may choose to take on the Nazarite status.
There are three specific prohibitions of the Nazarite. He or she may not drink wine or eat any products made from grapes, may not cut their hair, and may not come into contact with a human corpse. However, on a deeper level, becoming a Nazorite is not truly about just adhering to these three regulations. This way of life should be chosen for the sake of creating a deeper connection with the sacred mission of all our lives, attempting to bring Godliness down into this world through acts of righteousness and charity. Though every one of us may believe in this goal and strive to live by it, to one degree or another, the Nazarite is to devote all energies to this holy purpose. Theirs are lives of sacredness and devotion, commitment to holiness above all other values.
Living a life as such most likely is for only a very few of us. Perhaps it is too lofty of a goal, and yet it is one which we can at least be aware of and admire. Even if most of us, regular Jewish people, are not ready to take on Nazarite status, we can learn from their example and they can be a reminder for us of what our greatest priorities should be.
We can certainly all use more holiness in our lives. As the Nazarite is in a constant state of searching to capture that holiness, let each of us be open to allowing more holiness to enter into our own lives as well.
Shabbat Shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
cantorzkonigsberg@gmail.com
917-696-0749
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