The Vow: Naso

The Torah Portion Naso is a springboard to many questions. Why have Nazarites? Why create a social status involving abstinence? Was there an unmentioned purpose for having Nazarite status? Has this concept continued through modernity?

Perhaps, the most provocative Nazarite status question is “whether something can be simultaneously bad and good?”

The Portion Naso lays out the Nazarite directives. The most well-known Nazarite was Samson. In the Book of Judges, an angel of the Lord instructs his mother to raise him as a Nazarite. Judges 13:5-5. She is further directed to abstain from wine and fermented drink while pregnant. Judges 13:4.

In Naso, it is promulgated that both men and women can elect Nazarite status. The process to become one involved taking a vow and complying with a set of rules. The Nazarite status length had varying lengths. One could make it for a set period or take it on permanently.

The Nazarite Provisions

Specific provisions are enumerated in Naso:

“when a man or a woman will expressly make a Nazarite vow to make a separation for the Lord, he shall separate from wine and beer; he shall not drink any vinegar of wine or vinegar of beer, and he shall not drink any juice of grapes, and he shall not eat fresh or dried grapes. All the days of his being a Nazirite, he shall not eat anything that is made from the grapevine, from seeds to skin.”

“All of the days of his Nazirite vow, a razor shall not pass on his head, until the fulfillment of the days he will make a separation for the Lord, he shall be holy, growing the hair of his head loose.” Numbers 6:2-5 (Note: there were also limitations with respect to coming in contact with the dead. Numbers 6:6-7)

The purpose of the status is noted: “All the days of his being a Nazirite he is holy to the Lord.” Numbers 6:8.

The Societal Value

Was this provision creating separation meant to limit separation? If viewed at the time of scripture, certain tribes were designated to perform cultic functions. The Priestly Class and the Levites had special responsibilities apart from the other tribes.

The Nazarite vow offered others the opportunity to elevate themselves in terms of their dedication. By accepting certain measures of conduct, arguably they operated at a higher standard of behavior. Beyond abstinence, their conduct emulated Priestly Class’ avoidance of contact with the dead.

Arguably, this status softened the division created by the cultic designations.

The Controversy

Post-scriptural thought on Nazirite status brings controversy. Is the status was good or bad? The scholar Jacob Neusner noted that the status was shrouded with arrogance and weakness.

Does this controversy imply that individuals took the Nazarite vow to address their alcohol abuse? Was abstinence recognized as a solution to the problem? If so, were Nazarites viewed as individuals “in recovery”.

In the past, moderation was considered as value. Thus, abstinence’s significance was devalued. This was the case in the medieval period with the likes of Maimonides. The science of addiction at the time was perhaps not appreciated or recognized.

Thus, beyond a pathway of living a pious life, the Nazarite status may have served to treat alcohol abuse. Thus, those taking the course could be viewed in that light.

Modernity

Abstinence as a solution for substance abuse is common in modernity. Alcoholics Anonymous employs a “higher power” with respect to their recovery process. While non-religiously based, the higher power concept bares similarity to the Nazirite vow.

Further, the concept of separation also resonates in modern recovery. To maintain sobriety, people may be required to separate themselves from their past. Their associations may prevent their recovery.

Conclusion

In the end, was there intent that the Nazirite vow be an avenue to treat alcohol abuse? Was that in part a reason as to the stigma being created? Is this the reason why something good can also be assigned as something bad?

Be well!!

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