Haftarah, Judges 13:13-25
for Parashat Naso, Numbers 4:21-7:89
The Torah: A Modern Commentary, pp. 1043-1075
W. Gunther Plaut, ed.
CYCLE THREE

THE PROPHET
The Book of Judges consists of stories about a succession of men and one woman who were known as shof'tim (judges). They were primarily individuals to whom the people looked for guidance during the 12th and 11th centuries B.C.E. This week's haftarah talks about Samson, one of these shof'tim.

FROM TORAH TO HAFTARAH: MAKING THE CONNECTION
This week's Torah portion, Naso, describes the limitations placed on an individual who chooses to dedicate himself to God by becoming a nazirite. In the haftarah portion, we read about Samson, whose mother was instructed by an angel that the yet-to-be-born Samson would be a nazirite.

FOCUS
"For you shall soon be pregnant, and give birth to a boy. His hair is never to be cut, because from the womb he is God's Nazirite; he will begin to liberate Israel from the hand of the Philistines." (Chapter 13, verse 5)

COMMENTARY
Samson is one of the classic heroes of the Jewish people and is the Bible's most famous nazirite. The word "nazirite" comes from the Hebrew word, nazir, and means "to abstain from" or "to consecrate oneself to". Nazirites were people who dedicated themselves to God and were subject to certain restrictions that included not drinking grape juice or wine, not cutting their hair and not having contact with dead bodies. As a rule, one remained a nazirite for a set period of time, usually understood to be a minimum of 30 days (Naz.1:3) Samson, however, was to be a nazirite from birth - a non-voluntary, lifelong obligation. Although Jewish tradition regards Samson as both a judge and a prophet, he is unlike every other judge and prophet. While the judges led the whole Jewish community, Samson always acted alone; whereas the prophets delivered messages from God, Samson left behind no prophetic words. There is, however, one divinely endowed skill unique to Samson, "a physical prowess that so transcended the ordinary that it was obviously divine in origin" (Adin Steinsaltz, Biblical Images)

Stories about Samson's superhuman strength are legendary, and according to Rabbi Plaut, it is apparent that Samson was capable of his feats of strength because he was a Nazir and therefore specially endowed with power not given to others. The story implies that his special strength came from his unshorn hair.

KEEP TALKING

1. Aside from the Patriarch Isaac, Samson is the only biblical character whose birth is foretold by an angel. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, the Israeli scholar and Talmudist, notes that "even Moses, Samuel, David and other great figures were not announced in this way to their parents." Why do you think God decided to send an angel to tell Samson's mother about his impending birth? What was unique about Samson? What special responsibilities did his parents have?
2. In the Focus section, the angel tells Samson's mother that when Samson grows up, he will "begin to liberate Israel from the hand of the Philistine." Now read the words of Rabbi Tarfon, one of the great Talmudic rabbis, who wrote that "you are not required to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to abstain from it." (Pirkei Avot 2:21) Explain the connection between the angel's words and Rabbi Tarfon's words.
3. Nazirites are not allowed to cut their hair because it serves as a symbol or a constant reminder to them and to the people around them that they are dedicated to God. How do symbols such as a mezuzah or a Star of David remind you that you are part of Am Israel (the Jewish people)? How do mitzvotsuch as observing Shabbat or giving tzedakah help to remind you of your special relationship with God? Which of these are obvious to others? Which of these are only apparent to you ?
4. When Samson grew up, we are told that he was easily led astray by women and was often prone to violence. God sent Samson to carry out sporadic attacks against the Philistines but he did so as a lone vigilante". Why do you think that God had Samson act alone rather than as the leader of the people? What kinds of qualities does a leader need?
5. In modern times, Rabbi David Cohen, a follower of Chief Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook of Palestine, accepted the nazirite restrictions on himself, and he became known as "the Nazir". Although he was a holy and profound thinker, Rabbi Cohen does not seem to have attracted any followers. Why do you think people are reluctant to become nazirites today?

TAKING A STAND
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This week's Family Shabbat Table Talk was written by Marlene Myerson, the UAHC Educational Consultant in Canada. Marlene is still trying to catch up on her sleep after participating in a late night study session on Erev Shavuot.