Weekly Sidra: Beha’alotcha (when you step up)
Torah Portion: Bamidbar/ Numbers 8:1-12:16
Haftorah: Zecharyah / Zechariah 2:14-4:7

The third reading from the book of Numbers and the thirty-sixth reading from the Torah is called Beha’alot’cha (בהעלותך), a word that literally means “When you ascend.” It comes from the first verse of the portion, which could literally be translated as “When you ascend the lamps” (Numbers 8:2), a reference to the fact that the priest had to step up to clean and light the lamps of the menorah.

This portion is jam-packed, telling the story of the consecration of the Levites, the first Passover in the wilderness, the silver trumpets, the cloud of glory, the departure from Sinai, the grumbling in the wilderness, the first Sanhedrin and the punishment of Miriam.

This parsha continues after the dedication of the Mishkan by the princes of the tribes in the previous parsha, Nasso.

Note: On the Shabbat the Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person “goes up” to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading. Here are this week`s aliyot:

1st Aliya: Aharon is instructed to light the Menorah, and the Menorah’s construction is reviewed. Moshe is commanded to inaugurate the Levi’im into the service of the Mishkan.

2nd Aliya: The Levi’im are inaugurated into Temple service. Their term of service was from age 25 to age 50.

3rd Aliya: The Bnai Yisrael keep their second Pesach since leaving Egypt. The laws of Pesach Shaynie – the makeup Pesach (one month after Pesach) are taught for those who were unable to bring the Pascal Lamb at the appropriate time.

4th Aliya: The movement of the Pillar of Clouds as the indicators of when to set or break the camp is identified. In addition to the Pillar of Clouds, Moshe is commanded to make two silver trumpets that would be used to herald the traveling of the encampment, or the movement of troops during war.

5th Aliya: The description of the nation’s travels from the desert of Sinai is recorded. Moshe approaches Yisro, who refuses his offer to join them in Eretz Yisrael.

6th Aliya: The two verses of "When the Ark went forth" are stated, and then things begin to unravel. The main body of this Aliya describes the nation’s complaints against the physical conditions of their dwelling in the desert. The Manna is described in contrast to the nation’s desire for "real food". Moshe expresses his frustrations as leader, and Hashem promises to send quail to satisfy the people’s desire for meat. Moshe is instructed to appoint a Sanhedrin to help him govern and teach the nation. The 70 Elders are divinely confirmed, and Eldad and Maydad prophesies the transition of leadership from Moshe to Yehoshua.

7th Aliya: The quail descend upon the camp in such quantity that each person collected 1000 lb. of meat. Aharon and Miriam speak Lashon Harah about Moshe, resulting in Hashem confirming Moshe as His preeminent servant and prophet. Miriam is afflicted with Tzaraat.