Parsha
Date: 1.6.26 / 16 Sivan 5786
Parsha: Behaalotecha: Numbers 8:1-14
What happens in these verses?
In this part of the Torah, Hashem gives Moshe instructions about special jobs in the Mishkan (the traveling holy tent).
Lighting the Menorah (Golden Lamp)
Hashem tells Moshe to instruct Aharon (the High Priest) to light the Menorah, a beautiful golden lamp with seven branches. The flames must face toward the center branch. Aharon does exactly what Hashem says.
Making the Menorah
The Torah reminds us that the Menorah was very special—it was made from one solid piece of gold, shaped and designed exactly as Hashem showed Moshe.
Preparing the Levites for Service
The Levites are chosen to help in the Mishkan. Before they start their work, they go through a special purification process:
They are sprinkled with special water.
They shave their bodies.
They wash their clothes.
They bring offerings (sacrifices).
The People Support the Levites
The Jewish people place their hands on the Levites. This shows that the Levites are taking on the responsibility of serving Hashem on behalf of everyone.
The Levites Start Their Holy Work
After this ceremony, the Levites are officially ready to serve in the Mishkan and help Aharon and the priests.
Key Learning Points for Children
✅ Doing Hashem’s mitzvot carefully matters
Aharon didn’t change anything—he followed the instructions exactly. This teaches us to try our best to do mitzvot properly.
✅ Everyone has a special role
The Kohanim (priests) and Levites had different jobs, but both were important. Just like them, every person has their own unique way to help others and serve Hashem.
✅ Preparing yourself is important
Before the Levites began their work, they got ready both physically and spiritually. This shows us that when we do something important, we should prepare properly.
✅ Working together as a community
The Jewish people supported the Levites by placing their hands on them. This teaches that we help each other succeed and share responsibility.
Takeaway Summary
In Parsha Behaalotecha, Aharon lights the Menorah as Hashem commands, showing careful and faithful service. The Levites are chosen and prepared for their special duties in the Mishkan, with the support of the whole Jewish people.
Big idea: Everyone has a role, and when we prepare well, follow instructions, and support each other, we can do great things for Hashem and for our community.
Thought of Rabbi Sacks
1. 🌟 Leadership means helping others grow
Rabbi Sacks teaches that one of the most important ideas in this parsha is what a leader really does.
Moshe was a great leader, but in Behaalotecha he feels overwhelmed and says it’s too hard to carry the people alone. [blogs.time...israel.com]
Hashem tells him to choose 70 helpers to share the responsibility.
👉 Rabbi Sacks explains:
A good leader doesn’t do everything alone
A good leader shares responsibility
The best leaders help other people become strong too
For children:
Even if you’re not “the leader,” you can help others and work as a team.
2. 💡 The light of the Menorah teaches a message
At the start of the parsha, Aharon lights the Menorah.
Rabbi Sacks often explains that light is a symbol:
Light means goodness, wisdom, and kindness
Lighting a flame is like spreading something good to others
👉 A special idea:
One flame can light another without losing anything.
For children:
When you share kindness, help a friend, or teach someone — your “light” spreads.
3. 😔 Even great people have hard moments
Later in the parsha, Moshe becomes very upset and feels he can’t go on. [rabbisacks.org]
Rabbi Sacks says something very important:
Even the greatest leaders feel sad or overwhelmed sometimes
Feeling upset does not mean you are a failure
👉 His message:
Strong people aren’t perfect
They keep going, even when things are hard
For children:
If something feels difficult or you feel overwhelmed, that’s okay — you can ask for help and keep trying.
4. 🤝 We are stronger together
When the Levites begin their work, the people place their hands on them (in our section of the parsha).
This shows:
The Levites don’t serve alone
They represent the whole Jewish people
Rabbi Sacks teaches that Judaism is about community:
We succeed together, not alone
🌈 Simple Takeaway (Rabbi Sacks style)
Be like the Menorah → spread light and goodness
Be like Moshe → ask for help when things are hard
Be like the Levites → serve others as part of a team
👉 Big idea:
The strongest people are not the ones who do everything alone, but the ones who share, help others, and bring more light into the world.
Around the Shabbat Table
🕯️ 1. Why did Aharon have to light the Menorah carefully?
Question:
Why do you think Aharon followed Hashem’s instructions exactly when lighting the Menorah?
Answer:
Because doing a mitzvah properly is important. It shows respect to Hashem.
Also, the Menorah’s light reminds us to spread goodness and kindness — just like one flame can light another.
👉 Family idea:
How can we “spread light” this week?
🤝 2. Why didn’t Moshe lead the people all by himself?
Question:
If Moshe was such a great leader, why did he need help from others?
Answer:
Because even great leaders can’t do everything alone. Hashem taught Moshe to share responsibility and let others help.
This makes the whole group stronger.
👉 Family idea:
When do you ask for help, and when can you help someone else?
🌟 3. What can we learn from the Levites’ special job?
Question:
Why did the Jewish people place their hands on the Levites?
Answer:
It showed that the Levites were serving on behalf of everyone.
It reminds us that we are all connected and responsible for each other.
👉 Family idea:
What is one way our family can help others this week?
✅ Simple Family Takeaway
Do mitzvot with care
Share responsibility
Help others and spread kindness
Big message:
We all have a role, and together we can bring more light into the world. 🕯️
Parsha summary adapted from Chabad.org and Rabbi Sacks Legacy
The weekly mitzvot are adapted from the PAJES Primary Parashat Hashavua Curriculum, and form the basis of the school's PSHE curriculum for all pupils alongside the Torah, Well Being and Me curriculum.