May 22
Parshat Naso
Numbers 4:21-7:89

The Tabernacle is almost ready to be used. Final instructions are being given; the last  jobs assigned. Like the kiss of the father before the bride walks down the aisle to start a life apart, G-d tells Moses the words to be used to "bless the people of Israel" (6:22), what we know as the Priestly Blessing recited every morning in the Amidah, the High Holidays, and even in most Christian churches: "The Lord bless you and keep you..." What makes this 3 line prayer so powerful, comforting and universal? 

Not quite as lofty is the test for a wife accused of adultery that sounds like a lose/lose situation for her; the vows of abstinence for the zealous Nazarite and the gifts for the twelve days of the dedication of the Mishkan
that could be the basis of a catchy holiday song.