As this week’s Torah portion begins we find ourselves on the edge of the wilderness In the final years of our time here.
Moses our leader has brought us as far as we are going before before crossing the Jordan, leaving behind the Wilderness and entering the Land. Geographically we are done, but we still have a lot of ground to cover.
As readers, we also know that after Moses struck the rock, and spoke harshly to us after Miriam died, that God told Moses he would not cross the Jordan to enter the land which was given to us.
And now we come to the various matters that begin this week's Torah portion. [Just read the headlines; don't share the verses. They are here just for the facilitator to ground the headings in the verses of the Torah portion.]
It shall be for [Pinchas] and his descendants after him a Brit Kehuna / pact of priesthood for all time, because he took impassioned action for his God, thus making expiation for the B'nai Yisrael.’”
“Take a census of the whole of the community of B'nai Yisrael's [fighters] from the age of twenty years up, by their ancestral houses, all Israelite [males] able to bear arms.”
(59) The name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; she bore to Amram Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam. (60) To Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
(1) The daughters of Zelophehad, of Manassite family—son of Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh son of Joseph—came forward. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. (2) They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the chieftains, and the whole assembly, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, and they said, (3) “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not one of the faction, Korah’s faction, which banded together against ה', but died for his own sin; and he has left no sons. (4) Let not our father’s name be lost to his clan just because he had no son! Give us a holding among our father’s kinsmen!”
(12) ה' said to Moses, “Ascend these heights of Avarim and view the land that I have given to B'nai Yisrael. (13) When you have seen it, you too shall be gathered to your kin, just as your brother Aaron was gathered. (14) For, in the wilderness of Zin, when the community was contentious, you disobeyed My command to uphold My sanctity in their sight by means of the water.” Those are the Waters of Meribath-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin.
1. Questions. The last thing God tells you to do is to go up and view the Land from the perspective of the heights of Avarim. (Avarim is a mountain range east of the Jordan River. The meaning is “those on the other side” or “passage.”) Let’s pause here for a moment.
Moses, what are some of the questions going through your mind right now? (Answer popcorn style from their places).
2. Emotions. What kind of emotions are you experiencing? (Have each Moses sit in the “Moses” chair, facing the group. The facilitator stands behind the chair. Listen very carefully and bring out the inner voice of Moses.) Thank you. Please sit back with the group.
3. Final Thoughts/Actions. After the word Zin and before the next paragraph, there is a space. A paragraph break. In this gap before a new leader is appointed, is there anything you would like to say or do before you ascend the mountain Moses? (Have Moses sit in the chair. Listen and double again.) Thank you. Please sit back with the group.
See the article on doubling:
https://terryreal.com/psychodrama-doubling-technique/
(15) Moses spoke to ה', saying, (16) “Let ה', Source of the breath of all flesh, appoint someone over the community (17) who shall go out before them and come in before them, and who shall take them out and bring them in, so that ה'’s community may not be like sheep that have no shepherd.”
(18) And ה' answered Moses, “Single out Joshua son of Nun, an inspired man, and lay your hand upon him. (19) Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before the whole community, and commission him in their sight. (20) Invest him with some of your authority, so that the whole Israelite community may obey.
Nun derives from the Hebrew word "to continue." It also means "heir."
Joshua, you are one of two people who make it all the way from Egypt to the Land which is promised to you. Please sit in the "Joshua" chair. Take a breath. (Facilitator, don’t put your hands on this person). Moses doesn’t lay one hand on you; he lays two. Let’s say that he lays those hands on you in a way that recognizes your qualities and strength of leadership. Where does Moses lay his hands?
- Derole
- Thank all who stepped into the role of Moses/Joshua this morning
- Process: What did you learn from this Bibliodram this morning?