Nasso


The Torah reading for this week, Nasso, contains the blessing given by the Kohanim.  The first sentence is just 3 words.  It drops like a gentle rain,  “May God bless you and guard you.”  
Simple.  Hopeful.  Necessary.
The second verse is 5 words, and it lifts us up to the Divine light can shine.  “May God’s presence shine on you and be favorable.”  This blessing is at once personal and broad; it is meant for you while you ask God’s blessing for everyone else.
The third contains 7 powerful words.  This blessing contains the ultimate request of the Almighty.  Here we are asking God’s Face, hidden from even Moses! to bring us to an even higher level.  “May God’s presence rise into your life and bring you peace.”  
What a perfect series of blessings for our time.  May we find inner peace and become purveyors of peace. 

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