Voices of WRJ: Naso

by Linda Kates I had never thought of asceticism as a Jewish practice until I read Naso, the second portion in the book of Numbers, which explains the procedure for a man or woman (yes, it specifically mentions women) to become a nazir, or one who dedicates his or her life to God. The nazir takes a vow, usually for a specific period of time, to refrain from wine  and grape products, contact with dead bodies (even of their own relatives), and cutting of the hair. At the end of the stated period, the nazir sacrifices a burnt offering, a sin offering, and an offering of well-being. Biblical commentators disagree on the merit of being a nazir. Some see virtue in separating oneself from worldly passions and pleasures, and in serving as an example for those who need to moderate their behavior. Others, such as Maimonides, believe that there is holiness in all the good things on Earth and that they should be enjoyed in moderation unless they are forbidden. Indeed, Rabbi Eleazar points out that it is because of the sin of denying themselves the enjoyments of life that nazirs must make a sin offering at the end of their vows. Certainly modern Jews see little need for Nazirite vows. Just as we see prayer service as a replacement for the sacrifices of old, we see that there are different ways to dedicate ourselves to God.  Instead of ascetic practices, we seek other ways to serve God, whether by teaching God's ways to our children, serving our congregations, or doing God's work. In our daily prayers, we praise God for “supporting the fallen, healing the sick, freeing the captive, and keeping faith with those who sleep in the dust.”  As people made in the image of God, we try to imitate God's holiness. We are taught to serve God by keeping the commandments, such as honoring father and mother, doing deeds of compassion, studying, dealing graciously with guests, visiting the sick, providing for the wedding couple, accompanying the dead for burial, praying, and making peace. These are things that we do as individual women and as members of our sisterhoods and WRJ. I know that the sisterhood in my own congregation helps to make it possible to observe these commandments and to teach them to our children. As a modern Jewish woman, I see more value in knitting a blanket for a homeless person than in abstaining from wine and grape juice, more value in joining my congregation in prayer than in distancing myself by refusing to be groomed, and more value in mourning along with family and friends than in avoiding the dead. Nevertheless, reading about the procedure for being a nazir helps me to think about what it means to devote my life to God. Along with admiration for the dedication of the ancient Israelites who made vows to set themselves apart for God, I admire our mothers and sisters who dedicate themselves to God's work. May we all find for ourselves the best way for each of us to dedicate our lives to God. Linda Kates is a WRJ Board member and Congregation Emanu El Sisterhood Past President and Membership Co-Vice President in Houston, TX. She has three adult children and two grandchildren.