Summary of the Parasha

After the princes’ offerings, Aaron is saddened that he had no part in them. God comforts him (Rashi): his role is greater still, he will light the Menorah every day. Then come the consecration of the Levites and Pesach Sheni, a second chance, a month later, for those who could not bring the Pesach offering.

The parasha describes how a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night guided Israel, to the sound of silver trumpets. Then the people, longing for the meat of Egypt, complain again. Moses shares his burden with seventy elders, and God sends quails in abundance. Two men, Eldad and Medad, prophesy in the camp.

Finally, Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses about “the Cushite woman”. According to Rashi, this refers to Tzipporah, from whom Moses had separated to devote himself entirely to prophecy; other commentators see the wife Moses took during his years as king of Cush. Miriam is struck with Tzara’at for seven days; Moses prays for her: “Please God, heal her now”.

Summary of the Haftara

“Rani V’Simchi” (“Sing and rejoice”)
Text in Zechariah 2:14–4:7

Zechariah prophesies at the return from the Babylonian exile, under the Persian king Darius, when the Second Temple is to be rebuilt. He sees the High Priest Joshua accused by the Satan and defended by an angel: God purifies him and dresses him in clean garments. Then he sees a golden Menorah flanked by two olive trees, which according to Abarbanel represent the two anointed ones: the High Priest and the king, a descendant of David. The message to Zerubbabel, who is rebuilding the Temple: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit”.

Parasha-Haftara Connection

The Menorah is at the center of both texts. In both, too, the people delay the outcome: the complaints in the desert, then the hesitation to return and build the Second Temple. Even so, redemption comes: the entry into Israel, the Second Temple, and the final Geulah.