Parshat Naso - The Nazir and the Book of Bamidbar

We will be looking at the Nazirite vow. Crucial to our investigation is the context – what is this voluntary vow doing here, when the Kohen is at the centerpiece of most of the other chapters of Parashat Nasso? And why is the Nazir commanded to bring a sin offering at the end of his Nazir period? What sin has he committed?

We note parallels between the Nazir status and the Kohen Gadol, and contrast the intrinsic holiness of the Kohen with the voluntary holiness of the Nazir. In the optional Nazirite vow is a solution to any misconception about Bnei Yisrael being stuck outside, away from the holiness of the Mishkan. Through the nazirite vow, holiness is accessible to all of Bnei Yisrael , even as Bemidbar describes a social, political, and  religious hierarchy.

Parashat Naso emphasizes the unique holiness of every member of Bnei Yisrael, correcting any misconception to the contrary. It reminds us that everyone can achieve a status equivalent to the Kohen Gadol.