Parasha Behaalotecha
The menorah kindled, the second Passover instituted, and the people's complaints in the wilderness.
Overview
Parasha Behaalotecha covers the lighting of the Menorah, the institution of a second Passover for those who missed the first, the departure from Sinai, and a series of complaints by the people that test Moses' leadership to its limits.
The Story
Aaron is commanded to light the Menorah so its flames face forward. The Levites are consecrated. A second Passover is established for those who were ritually impure or traveling during the first. The cloud lifts from the Tabernacle and Israel begins its journey from Sinai. The people complain about the manna and crave meat. Moses is overwhelmed and cries to God: "I cannot carry this entire people alone." God appoints seventy elders to share the burden and sends quail — but a plague strikes those who craved meat excessively. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses; Miriam is struck with tzaraat and healed after Moses prays for her.
Significance for Noahides
The second Passover teaches that God makes provision for those who genuinely want to participate but were prevented by circumstances beyond their control — a principle of divine compassion and inclusion. Moses' cry of exhaustion and God's response models healthy leadership: acknowledging limits and accepting help. Miriam's punishment for speaking against Moses illustrates the gravity of lashon hara even when directed at a family member.