CANTOR’S CORNER

Cantor Eyal Bitton shares a few thoughts on prayer and the parasha of the week.

2023-06-03 Parashat Nasso

Healing and forgiveness are timeless themes that resonate deeply within our hearts and souls. They remind us of our capacity for transformation, self-acceptance, and compassion. In the classic tale of “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen, we encounter a profound lesson about the danger of judging others based on their outward appearance. The duckling, ostracized and mistreated, ultimately blossoms into a beautiful swan, teaching us that true beauty lies within.

Parashat Nasso, a portion of the Torah, grants us the Priestly Blessing as a gift from God:

May the Lord bless you and watch over you. May the Lord cause His countenance to shine upon you and favor you. May the Lord raise His countenance toward you and grant you peace. (Numbers 6:23.)

This blessing, a powerful invocation for peace, protection, and divine grace, serves as a profound reminder of the importance of healing and forgiveness in our lives.

We are called upon to work collectively towards a brighter future, one where compassion and understanding prevail. It is essential that we release the emotional burdens we carry, forgive those who have wronged us, and proceed with love and kindness in our hearts. By doing so, we contribute to the creation of a more harmonious world.

The echoes of this message can also be found in the Shema prayer, a foundational declaration of faith. In this prayer, we ask God to bless us with peace, love, and kindness. We acknowledge the significance of wholeheartedly loving God and imparting this devotion to future generations. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of adhering to God’s commandments and laws, which are rooted in love and kindness towards our fellow human beings. The Shema reminds us that each of us has a role to play in bettering our world, and it is through collaboration that we can achieve this noble goal.

“The Ugly Duckling,” Parashat Nasso, and the Shema prayer encourage us to consider the transformative power of self-acceptance and forgiveness. Though difficult, let us extend forgiveness to those who genuinely seek to mend their ways, enabling ourselves and others to move forward with love and kindness. May we strive towards a future filled with peace and protection. May we have the strength to undergo personal transformation, the wisdom to forgive others, and the love to create a better world for ourselves and our children.