Behaalotecha (Hebrew: בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ, "When you light") is the third Torah portion of Numbers, covering Numbers 8:1–12:16. It tells of the menorah, the Levites' consecration, the silver trumpets, the departure from Sinai, the quail and manna complaints, and Miriam's tzara'at.
The Menorah
God commands Aaron to light the seven lamps of the Menorah so that they illuminate the space in front of it. "And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the Lord commanded Moses" (Numbers 8:3).
Consecration of the Levites
The Levites are cleansed and consecrated for service: sprinkled with water of purification, shaved, and their clothes washed. They offer a bull for a burnt offering and another for a sin offering. Aaron waves them as a wave offering. "And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel" (Numbers 8:19).
The Silver Trumpets
God commands Moses to make two silver trumpets (חֲצֹצְרוֹת כֶּסֶף). They are used to summon the congregation, to signal the breaking of camp, and to sound an alarm in war. "And if you go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresses you, then you shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and you shall be remembered before the Lord your God" (Numbers 10:9).
Departure from Sinai
On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle. Israel journeys from Sinai. Moses says to Hobab (his father-in-law): "We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you; come you with us" (Numbers 10:29). The Ark of the Covenant goes before them. "Rise up, Lord, and let Your enemies be scattered; and let them that hate You flee before You" (Numbers 10:35).
Complaints and Quail
The people complain (mit'onenim) and God's fire burns among them; Moses prays and the fire subsides. The "mixed multitude" (asafsuf) craves meat: "Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish... the cucumbers, and the melons" (Numbers 11:4–5). Moses is overwhelmed and says to God: "I am not able to bear all this people alone" (Numbers 11:14). God tells Moses to gather 70 elders; God will put His spirit on them. God sends quail — so many that they are a day's journey thick on either side of the camp. While the people eat, God's anger burns and a plague strikes them. The place is called Kibroth-hattaavah (קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה, "Graves of Craving").
Miriam's Tzara'at
Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses because of the Cushite woman he married: "Has the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? has He not spoken also by us?" (Numbers 12:2). God hears and calls them out: "My servant Moses... is faithful in all Mine house" (Numbers 12:7). God's anger burns; Miriam becomes leprous (white as snow). Aaron says: "Alas, my lord, I beseech you, lay not the sin upon us." Moses cries: "Heal her now, O God, I beseech You" (Numbers 12:13). God says: "If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days" (Numbers 12:14). Miriam is shut out; the people do not journey until she is brought in again.
Major themes
- Divine guidance: The cloud and trumpets direct Israel's journey.
- Complaints: Israel's ingratitude and God's provision.
- Moses' burden: The need for shared leadership.
- Miriam's sin: The consequences of speaking against God's chosen leader.
Rashi
Rashi explains that the trumpets were used for multiple purposes: gathering, journeying, and war. On Miriam, Rashi says she and Aaron spoke out of concern for Moses' separation from his wife, but their comparison of themselves to Moses was inappropriate.
Ramban
Ramban explains that the quail was a punishment as well as a provision — the people's craving was excessive.
Midrashic interpretations
- Bamidbar Rabbah 15:1: The silver trumpets correspond to the two tablets.
- Bamidbar Rabbah 15:24: Miriam's tzara'at was a punishment for lashon hara (evil speech).
- Tanhuma, Behaalotecha 11: The manna tasted like whatever the eater desired.
Haftarah
The haftarah (Zechariah 2:14 – 4:7) contains the vision of the menorah and the two olive trees: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). This connects to the theme of the menorah and divine empowerment.
References
- Numbers 8:1 – 12:16 (Masoretic Text)
- Rashi, Commentary on the Torah
- Ramban, Commentary on the Torah
- Bamidbar Rabbah (Midrash)
- Tanhuma, Behaalotecha
- The JPS Torah Commentary: Numbers (Jacob Milgrom, 1990)
- Etz Hayim: Torah and Commentary (JPS, 2001)
- Sefaria.org, "Behaalotecha" (parasha)
Scholars and rabbis have long debated the nuances of this text. The medieval commentators Rashi, Ramban, Ibn Ezra, and Sforno each offer distinct perspectives, ranging from grammatical analysis to theological reflection. Modern academic scholarship adds historical and literary context, comparing the text with ancient Near Eastern parallels.
In contemporary study, this material is explored through the lenses of halakha, aggadah, and Jewish thought. Synagogues and study groups worldwide engage with these texts weekly, finding new relevance in ancient words. The enduring vitality of this parasha lies in its ability to speak to every generation.
For a full Hebrew text and parallel translations, consult Sefaria.org. The JPS Torah Commentary series provides scholarly annotation. Contributions to expand this article are welcome.