Ever wanted to see how relatable the Torah really is? Counselors at URJ Kutz Camp, a Reform Jewish leadership camp for teens ,wanted to do just that. They made awesome raps discussing the weekly Torah portion, or parasha, for an entire year!
In this parasha, God speaks to Moses, describing the menorah for the Tent of Meeting. The Levites are appointed to serve as assistants under Aaron and his sons. A cloud by day and fire by night show God's Presence over the Tabernacle (altar). When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe. Listen to the Sha-rap to learn about the troubles they have on this journey.
Transcript
Saturday morning and the peeps are here
It’s time for Shabbat – let me get a cheer
We’ll talk about Moses, Aaron, the Levites too
Ayyoo Matt, you know what to do
Just a quick reminder, just so you all know
We finished the census, it was quite the show
B’midbar and Naso was where we were at
Be’ha’alotecha you’re up to bat
We got a bunch of bars that we trying to spit
There’s so much to cover, but we ain’t gonna quit
Lamps, trumpets, and other random stuff
But let’s jump to the bigs, time to skip all that fluff
In the second year, on the twentieth day of the second month, the
cloud lifted from the Tabernacle of the Pact and the Israelites set out
on their journeys, with Moses, their fine leader, saying:
Okay Jews, now let’s get in formation (I slay)
We gots to move, you heard all the proclamation (I pray)
Pick it up, y’all need some coordination (All day)
Tribe by tribe we go toward our destination
The Israelites complained – we want meat, meat, meat, meat, meat
Everybody complained – give us meat, meat, meat, meat, meat
Stop, collaborate and listen
I’m Moses and I made a decision
I’ll talk to God, see what I can do
Sending the message to the top of the crew
QUIT YOUR WHINING
I’m God and I’m hearing you out
You’ll get your meat, without another shout
But just know I’m not very happy with you
I’m sending a plague before you even chew
Whoever thought we’d be seeing racism here
But it’s there for sure, let’s all be clear
Miriam & Aaron go against Moses’ wife
Because she’s Black, causing all the strife
God sees this act and strikes again
Gave Miriam leprosy for that racist sin
Kicks her out, and then she comes right back
Going to Paran, and now we’re all on track
Thanks for listening to our third rap
Stay tuned for more, we’re putting ourselves on the map
This has been your – Shabbat Sha’Rap!