Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

The Vow of the Nazarite – Parasha Naso (Videos)

Speak to the children of Israel, and you shall say to them: A man or woman who sets himself apart by making a Nazarite vow to abstain for the sake of HaShem [Bamidbar / Numbers 6:2] The Nazarite vow is taken by individuals who had voluntarily dedicated themselves to HaShem. The vow is a decision, action, and desire on the part of people whose desire is to yield themselves to HaShem completely. By definition, the Hebrew word nazir simply means to be separated or consecrated. The Nazarite vow, which appears in Bamidbar / Numbers 6:1-21, has five features. It is voluntary, can be done by either men or women, has a specific time frame, has specific requirements and restrictions, and at its conclusion a sacrifice is offered. First, the individual enters into this vow voluntarily. The Bible says, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'If a man or woman wants to make a special vow, a vow of separation to HaShem as a Nazarite’” (Bamidbar / Numbers 6:2). This shows that it is individuals who take the initiative to consecrate themselves to HaShem. There is no divine command involved. While generally done by the individual by his own choice, two individuals in the Torah, and one in the Besorah HaTovah (Good News), were presented to HaShem by their parents. Samuel and Samson in the Torah, (1 Samuel...