· G-d commands Moses that Aaron the High Priest is to light the menorah of the sanctuary. The menorah was to be made of solid gold, standing for the unity of the people of Israel.

· G-d tells Moses that the Levites are special. They must be pure before they perform their tasks in the Tabernacle (the Mishkan). The special water of purification is used to cleanse them. The Levites are set aside from the other Israelites. At one time, the first-born sons were to have a special religious role in Israel. That role was taken over by the Levites.

· Chapter nine discusses the celebration of the Second Passover, or Pesah Sheni, for the people who were not able to celebrate the offering of Passover at its correct time. This was observed if the Israelite was not pure at the time of Passover.

· G-d's presence was with Israel in the desert through a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. When the cloud rested on the Tabernacle, the Israelites camped and did not move.

· The special two trumpets of silver were to call the people together. They told the people when they were to move on.

· Unfortunately, the Israelites still complained about wandering in the desert. A fire from G-d broke out at the place known as Taverah, from the Hebrew word for fire. Then the Israelites complained that they didn't have any good meat or fruit to eat in the desert. They said they wanted the wonderful food that they had in Egypt. They were tired of eating the manna, the special food of the wilderness that fell in the night. Moses shared with the people that G-d would give them some meat to eat. Quail birds would arrive as a gift. However, a plague struck Israel. The place became known as "the graves of desire." Because Moses was overwhelmed by the people, he was given seventy assistants. The spirit of G-d came upon these men n the tent of meeting. Two men, Eldad and Medad began to prophesy by themselves, but Moses supported them.

· Our Torah reading ends with the story of Miriam and Aaron making fun of the wife of Moses. Moses' brother and sister were jealous of him. G-d punished Miriam with leprosy. However, because Moses was a forgiving person, he prayed for his sister's health. His prayer is five Hebrew words. "G-d, please heal her, please." Miriam was isolated for seven days. Then, the people could move on.