Torah Portion Beha’alotecha: The Power of Elevation and Divine Calling
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Torah: Numbers 4:21-7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25
Besorah: John 12:1-26
This week’s Torah portion is Beha’alotecha (Numbers 8:1–12:16). The title means “When you lift up,” referring to the lighting of the Menorah in the Tabernacle. But the theme of lifting up extends far beyond the Menorah. We see leadership lifted up, burdens lifted, complaints lifted, and even Moses’ own weariness lifted by God’s Spirit.
The Haftarah from Zechariah 2:14–4:7 points us toward God’s promise to restore His people and His Temple, reminding us that it is “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” The Besorah from John 13:1–20 takes us into one of the most intimate scenes in Yeshua’s ministry, as He humbles Himself to wash His disciples’ feet, showing us what true leadership looks like.
Together these passages call us to reflect on how God lifts up His people through humility, service, and the power of His Spirit.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion Beha’alotecha: Numbers 8:1–12:16
Understanding the Portion
The portion begins with instructions for Aaron to light the Menorah, which illuminated the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. The light symbolized God’s presence, truth, and guidance for His people. From there, the Levites are consecrated for their service, replacing the firstborn sons of Israel as God’s set-apart servants.
The nation prepares to depart from Mount Sinai. God provides the cloud by day and fire by night as visible signs of His leading. At His command they move, at His command they camp. Two silver trumpets are fashioned to summon the people and signal their journeys.
Yet as soon as the journey begins, so does the complaining. The people grumble for meat, craving Egypt’s comforts. Moses, overwhelmed, cries out to God for help. In response, God instructs him to appoint seventy elders to share the burden of leadership, and God’s Spirit rests on them.
The chapter closes with Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses because of his Cushite wife. God defends Moses, striking Miriam with tzara’at (which is often referred to as leprosy). But once again, Moses intercedes with the simple and heartfelt prayer, “God, please heal her!” God answers and restores her after seven days.
A Little Nugget
When Moses declares in Numbers 11:29, “I wish that all of Adonai’s people were prophets and that Adonai would put His Spirit upon them,” we hear an echo of what would one day come true at Shavuot (Pentecost), when the Spirit was poured out on all flesh.
Application
Are you carrying burdens you were never meant to bear alone? God invites us into partnership, both with others and with His Spirit. Whether you are a leader or a servant, you are not called to serve from exhaustion, but from His strength.
A Drash: The Light That Guides and the Spirit That Empowers
The Menorah stood as a symbol of God’s constant presence in the midst of Israel’s camp. But even with God’s light shining, the people still struggled with fear, discontent, and complaints. The lesson is clear: outward signs are not enough if the heart is unsettled.
Like the Israelites, we need more than light; we need God’s Spirit within us to steady us for the journey. The seventy elders remind us that leadership in the Kingdom is never about one man. God delights to multiply His Spirit across His people.
His desire is to fill us all with His Spirit, guiding us, empowering us, and lifting us into the work He has prepared.
Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14–4:7
Understanding the Portion
Zechariah delivers this word during the rebuilding of the Second Temple. God calls His people back from exile with the promise of restoration, protection, and glory. The high priest Joshua is cleansed of his sin-stained garments and clothed in new, pure garments. The vision shifts to the Menorah, fueled by two olive trees, symbolizing God’s continuous provision and Spirit.
The famous verse shines brightly in this passage: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says Adonai Tzva’ot.” Zerubbabel is reminded that even though the work seems overwhelming, God Himself will bring it to completion.
A Little Nugget
The two olive trees in Zechariah’s vision point forward to God’s ongoing partnership with His anointed ones. Many see this as a picture of the priesthood and kingship united in God’s future plan through Messiah.
Application
Are you facing a mountain in your life that seems too large to move? Zechariah reminds us that our greatest obstacles are overcome not by our effort or strength, but by the Spirit of God working in and through us.
A Drash: When God’s Spirit Builds What We Cannot
The returning exiles looked at rubble and ruin, wondering how they would ever rebuild. Zerubbabel’s task was enormous. But God’s message was simple: You will not accomplish this by force or cleverness, but by My Spirit.
We too often measure our lives by what we can control. But God says, Stop striving. Let Me do what you cannot. When we surrender to His Spirit, the mountains begin to crumble, and what was impossible becomes the testimony of His power.
Besorah: John 13:1–20
Understanding the Portion
As Passover approaches, Yeshua gathers with His disciples. In a stunning act of humility, the Master kneels and washes their feet, even the feet of Judas, who will soon betray Him. Peter resists at first but eventually submits, not fully understanding yet the depth of Yeshua’s lesson.
Yeshua tells them that if He, their Lord and Rabbi, serves in this way, they too must serve one another. He is preparing them for the kind of leadership His Kingdom requires—leadership rooted in humility, love, and sacrifice.
A Little Nugget
In verse 1, John tells us Yeshua “loved His own to the end.” The Greek word here, telos, means not just the end of time but to completion, to fullness. His love is complete, lacking nothing.
Application
Leadership in the church is not about status but about service. Ask yourself who God may be calling you to serve in humility this week. Are you willing to take the towel and kneel, even when it feels uncomfortable?
A Drash: The Power of the Towel
Yeshua, knowing all things had been given into His hands, set those hands to washing dirty feet. The most powerful man in the room lowered Himself to serve. This is not weakness but divine strength. His Kingdom is upside down.
The way up is down. The way to rule is to serve. In washing their feet, Yeshua was preparing them for the cross, teaching them that surrender and humility are the path to glory. If we want to follow Him, we too must pick up the towel before we ever pick up a crown.
Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Vav (ו)
This week we look at the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet: Hey (ה). It’s a small letter with a big spiritual message—a reminder of the breath of God and the openness we are called to live with before Him.
The Basics of Hey
Sound: “V” as in “voice” (sometimes “O” or “U” as a vowel prefix)
Numerical Value: 6
Appearance: A simple vertical line, like a hook or pillar.
How Hey Is Written
ו
Vav is one of the simplest looking letters in the Hebrew alphabet, consisting of a single vertical stroke. It is written as a straight line that drops from the top to the bottom, standing tall like a pillar or a hook. Because of its straight, upright form, it is often seen as symbolizing a connection between heaven and earth, like a divine pipeline bringing God’s presence into the world.
Though simple in appearance, its meaning runs deep. Just as a physical hook holds things together, the form of Vav reminds us that God’s Word, His people, and His purposes are meant to be joined and held firmly by His hand.
Spiritual Meaning of Hey
As I mentioned, the letter Vav literally means “hook” or “connector” in Hebrew. In the Tabernacle, Vavim (plural) were used as hooks to fasten the curtains together, symbolizing connection and unity.
In grammar, Vav often serves as the word “and” in Hebrew, linking words, clauses, and ideas. Spiritually, Vav speaks of God’s desire to connect heaven and earth, the holy and the human.
In Genesis 1:1, the sixth word contains a Vav, hinting at Messiah, who would come to bridge heaven and earth.
A Little Nugget
Jewish tradition teaches that Vav stands for transformation. It takes what is separate and unites it. In Yeshua, we see the ultimate Vav—He connects sinful man to a holy God.
Application
Where in your life do you need divine connection? Are there relationships that need healing? Are there places where you’ve kept parts of your life disconnected from God?
Let Vav remind you that God desires wholeness. He delights to bind together what sin has broken.
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For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
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About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer in Yeshua, a published author, speaker, seminary student, wife, proud mom, and bulldog mama. She is the author of several books, including The Proverbs 31-ish Woman, which debuted as Amazon’s #1 New Release in Religious Humor. She is also CEO of Vale & Vine Press Publishing Company. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies, with her favorite topics being the early church and Biblical Hebrew. Diane writes and teaches from a unique perspective, bridging her Jewish heritage with vibrant faith in the Messiah to bring clarity, depth, and devotion to everyday believers.
When she’s not writing, studying, or teaching, you’ll find her curled up with a theology book, crocheting something cozy, or negotiating couch space with her bulldog, Gronk.
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