Parashat Nasso (Count)

This is the longest parasha of the whole Torah. A great part of its length is due to the repetition of the offerings and gifts of the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel at the dedication of the Mishkan.

It includes among its topics the rules for the Nazir, the Nazarite.

The most famous Nazarite in our history is Samson. We will read his story in this Shabbat Haftorah.

Growing up, we all have the impression that Samson's strength comes from his hair. In fact, we see in the Book of Judges that when Delilah cuts his hair, he loses his strength.

With time we grow and we discover that it was not "just" his hair; it was his belief in G-d that gave him strength.

We may think our abilities, our families, our wealth, our knowledge are the source of our strength and success...

Sooner or later, we will discover the real source of it.

As the Psalmist says in Psalm 121: "I will lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."