Thought of the Week: Naso - 5781

SPIRITUAL REALIGNMENT

In Pareshat Naso, we read about the Nazirite vow of abstinence.  After such a vow, the Nazir is forbidden from eating or drinking grapes or grape products.

Although such a person is considered holy and spiritual, asceticism is never viewed as an ideal in Judaism.  Consequently, at the end of the section about the Nazir, as he finishes the period of separation and brings the appropriate sacrifices to the Temple, the Torah notes: "Afterwards the Nazirite should drink wine."  This indicates that after a period of spiritual realignment, a person should enjoy the gifts of Hashem to the world.

Shabbat Shalom