Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashat Behalotecha
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Parashat Beha’alotecha – "When You Set Up"
Numbers 8:1–12:16
Theme: Cultivating Light and Listening in Marriage
Opening Blessing
Baruch Atah Ad-nai Eloheinu Melech Ha’olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’Mitzvotav V’tzivanu La’asok B’divrei Torah.
Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to engage with the words of Torah.
Scripture Focus: Numbers 8:2
"Speak to Aaron and say to him, ‘When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps are to give light in front of the lampstand.’”
Reflection for Couples:
Parashat Beha’alotecha begins with the command for Aaron to light the menorah, symbolizing illumination, guidance, and the presence of G-d. For couples, the menorah becomes a beautiful image of what it means to "set up" and tend to the light within your marriage.
Just as Aaron was faithful in maintaining the menorah daily, so must a husband and wife tend to the spiritual and emotional flame between them, with consistency, patience, and intentionality.
Counseling Focus: Emotional Presence and Mutual Support
Key Principle: Healthy couples create emotional “light” by being present for each other. Just as the menorah’s lamps all faced inward to the center, spouses are called to orient their words, attention, and care toward one another.
Activity: "Tending Our Lampstand"
- Sit together in a quiet space with a lit candle or menorah in view.
- Reflect silently on this question:
- In what area of our relationship does the flame feel strong? Where might it be flickering?
- Take turns sharing your reflections. Listen without interrupting or trying to fix.
- Close by each saying one way you will help “tend the flame” this week (e.g., praying together daily, being slower to speak and quicker to listen, carving out a couple of times).
Counseling Insight: Yeshua is the Light of the world, and your marriage. By letting His presence dwell between you, even in seasons of complaint or weakness, your home becomes a tabernacle of healing and hope.
Prayer Together
Abba, Light of the World, we invite You to dwell richly between us. Where we have let the flame grow dim, rekindle our love, our respect, and our compassion. Teach us to speak words of kindness and gratitude, even when we are weary. Let our marriage reflect the beauty and light of the menorah, unified and centered on You. In Yeshua’s Name, Amen.
Takeaway Challenge:
This week, practice “holy listening.” Once a day, offer your spouse five uninterrupted minutes to share whatever is on their heart. Your only task is to listen and affirm. Switch roles daily. No advice. Just presence.
Closing Blessing (Song of Songs 8:6-7)
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death… Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away."
May the Ruach HaKodesh stir in your home like the cloud over the Mishkan: guiding you, settling with you, and lifting you in perfect timing.
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