In Parashat Naso, we read about the logistics of dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Mishkan as the nation wandered through the desert.

The Cohanim were responsible for this task, and the tribal leaders donated wagons to help with the transportation. However, the Kehat family, who were responsible for carrying the most sacred items such as the ark, were not given any wagons.

Instead, they were instructed to carry these sacred items on their shoulders. 

This law of carrying the ark by hand, rather than by wagon or any other means of transport, was not just for the time of the desert wanderings. It applied throughout Jewish history. In the book of Samuel, we learn of the death of Uzzah for accompanying the ark on a wagon.

Although it may seem safer to transport such a valuable and important item by wagon, the Torah teaches that it must be carried directly. What is the Torah teaching?

One interpretation of this is that the ark represents the Torah. To truly relate to Torah we must have a personal connection and directly shoulder that burden ourselves. To grapple with it in our own direct way, not intermediated or outsourced.

This applies to our relationship with Torah and perhaps we can extend it further, especially when it comes to morality, ethics and healthy relationships.

Parents cannot simply rely on schools, books or movies to teach these concepts to their children. We must take on the responsibility of personally and directly transporting these ideas. 

Too often, we assume that our children will automatically relate to their Judaism and their values in the same way that we do.

However, unless we take the time and effort to explain these ideas to our children and personally transmit these values, the message may not get through.

Just as the Kehat family shouldered the burden of carrying the sacred items, we too must shoulder the burden of passing on our values and beliefs to the next generation. In a world with more distractions than ever, when it is easy to “plug in and check out”, it is more important than ever to remember the importance of personal connections and direct communication.

Only then can we ensure that our traditions and values are continued and perpetuated and remain with the Jewish people for ever.