Torah Behaalotecha (Numbers 8:1-12:16) Haftarah (Zechariah 2:14-4:7)
The Torah portion has the description of the seven-branched candelabrum (menorah), the dedication of the Levites, the second Passover, the journey from Sinai to Moab, murmurings from the children of Israel, appointment of seventy elders to assist Moses and Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses.
And Moses said (to Joshua): “Are you jealous for my name sake? I wish that all the Eternal’s people were prophets, that the Eternal put His spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29)
After Moses appointed 70 elders to help him lead the Israelites, they “prophesied” for a while, this probably means that the elder communicated with G-d and helped Moses transmit the will of G-d to the people. After the others had ceased to prophecy, two still continued, named Eldad and Medad. Moses’ loyal assistant, Joshua was annoyed and he rushed to Moses to have them stop. Moses replies that there is nothing wrong with others prophesying because that is being G-d’s messengers. Moses wished that more individuals of the Israelites were able to serve as prophets, teachers that they are the messengers of G-d.
One example of the democratization of Jewish religious leadership which evolved into greater heights in the course of Jewish history.
Praying that all leaders and individuals listen to all opinions and advice before making a decision.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
