Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section
is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person
"goes up" to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.
Aharon is instructed to light the Menorah, and the Menorah's
construction is reviewed. Moshe is commanded to inaugurate the Leviyim into
the service of the Mishkan.
The Leviyim are inaugurated into Temple service. Their term of
service was from age 25 to age 50.
The Bnai Yisroel keep their second Pesach since leaving Egypt.
The laws of Pesach Shaynie - the makeup Pesach (one month after Pesach) are
taught for those who were unable to bring the Pascal Lamb at the
The movement of the Pillar of Clouds as the indicators of when
to set or break the camp is identified. In addition to the Pillar of
Clouds, Moshe is commanded to make two silver trumpets that would be used
to herald the traveling of the encampment, or the movement of troops during
The description of the nation's travels from the desert of Sinai
is recorded. Moshe approaches Yisro, who refuses his offer to join them in
The two verses of "When the Ark went forth" are stated, and then
things begin to unravel. The main body of this Aliya describes the nation's
complaints against the physical conditions of their dwelling in the desert.
The Manna is described in contrast to the nation's desire for "real food".
Moshe expresses his frustrations as leader, and Hashem promises to send
quail to satisfy the people's desire for meat. Moshe is instructed to
appoint a Sanhedrin to help him govern and teach the nation. The 70 Elders
are divinely confirmed, and Eldad and Maydad prophesies the transition of
leadership from Moshe to Yehoshua.
The quail descend upon the camp in such quantity that each
person collected 1000 lb. of meat. Aharon and Miriam speak Lashon Harah
about Moshe, resulting in Hashem confirming Moshe as His preeminent servant
and prophet. Miriam is afflicted with Tzaraat.
Parsha Summary by Rabbi Aron Tendler