Two Names
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This poem will not be for everybody, but it's one I'd like to share with those who are interested.
Every Saturday morning in synagogues around the world, a certain portion of the Old Testament is chanted 'publicly' from an elevated podium in the center of the sanctuary. (This week's portion is from the Book of Numbers).
The weekly portion is divided into seven parts. Seven different individuals are called up -- lit. 'ascend' -- to the podium and recite a short blessing before the reader begins chanting (and after he finishes chanting)...
This poem focuses on the name(s) by which the individuals is/are called up...and compares ascension to the podium for the Bible Reading with ascension to the Land of Israel.
"And these are their names (of the Heads of the 12 Tribes):
To the tribe of Reuven -- Shamu'a, son of Zakur"
--Numbers 13:4
This verse can be understood in a different way:'
These (two) names to the tribe of Reuven (say):
~ Shamu'a, the son, and his father, Zakur.
When a Jew is called up to the Torah* Here, 'Public Bible reading'
First his name is announced and then more
He's called up in his father's name to the Torah*
~ In the name of the teacher who taught him
--his first moreh** *moreh = teacher
So too, when the Heads of the Tribes went up to the Land*** ***Israel
Two names were called up from the desert sand
The name of each prince AND that of his father
~ To represent his own ascension and that of him who taught him his Torah
So in synagogue this week pay special attention
To both names of each tribe
~ Not one but TWO mentschen**** **** mentschen = men
Copyright © Gershon Wolf | Year Posted 2018
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