A Thought On Parshas Nasso

A Thought On Parshas Nasso "...mazkeres avon..." "...her offering recalls her iniquity..." The Sotah, the adulteress, brings a mincha offering. Unlike most sacrifices of this type, which include wheat meal as a "fragrant" gesture, her offering consists of barley. She is also given a beverage which consists of ash and water. Many of us are familiar with the interpretation that coarse barley is animal food, and symbolizes the animal-like crudeness of her misconduct. There are fewer interpretations of the meaning of the water and ash. The Bechor Shor proposes a different understanding of the s'orim - the barley. He regards the "animal food" interpretation as drash - homiletic meaning - but believes that the word itself can be understood at the pshat, or essential level. The word s'orim is translated as "barley" but the word still means something beyond its translation. He observes that the word actually means "to remind" or "to designate", as we see from the fact that the Hebrew word "pok'ed" or designate (Shmos 20:5) in the Targum is "m'sa'er". Therefore, when the Torah demands that the sotah bring an offering of barley, it is to signify that the offering which represents her is not one of high or even standard quality but is a notch down. It is not one which sends a pleasant fragrance the way that baking wheat might, but one that is plain and unadulterated. This is to suggest that she cannot presumptuously assume that there is a favorable feeling of compassion and kindness for her on High but rather she must demonstrate her sense that she has fallen below standard. Her s'orim are m'sa'er this, making clear to her that she is not in a position where she can expect a favorable view. As our verse says, "her offering recalls her iniquity." As for the water and ash, the Bechor Shor suggests that water is the basis for life and for survival. If she overcomes her challenge, she can look forward to renewed life. Ashes represent destruction and termination. If she succumbs to her challenge, she faces a future which is bleak and desolate. Our paths are strewn with challenge and with opportunity. Blessed are those who adhere to standards of stability and fidelity. May the renewed commitment to Torah following our Shavuos holy day upgrade our own allegiance to all that is life-giving and pure. Good Shabbos. D Fox