Lead Tidbit
Microcosm & Symbol
Jewish History is a series of ups and downs for the Jewish People. We have had our moments and periods of glory and we have gone through unspeakable low points of existence that appeared to be precursors of our destruction, G-d forbid.

Parshat B'ha-alo-t'cha seems to have more than its share of both high and low points of the early history of the new nation. Kohein Gadol in the Mikdash, lighting the Menora - high. Sanctification of the Leviyim for Divine Service - high, because firstborns are no longer fit for that role because of the Golden Calf - low. Korban Pesach - high. Only KP in the period of the Midbar - low. People who were TAMEI ask not to be diminished by not bringing Korban Pesach - high. Leaving Sinai - high and/or low. On the way to Eretz Yisrael and greater fulfillment as Jews and as a Nation - high; leaving Har HaShem - especially with a negative attitude - low. Com- plaining about food, "remembering" the great (?) food in Egypt - low. Moshe cannot handle the people alone anymore - low. 70 elders - high, sort of. Moshe sort of doubting G-d's ability to feed the people - low. Miriam speaks... - low. Moshe prays for her and the people show their respect - high.

And the item from the sedra that can symbolize this same microcosm that B'ha-alo-t'cha is? The silver trumpets. The CHATZOTZROT.
They are to be blown on festive occasions, in the Beit HaMikdash. On joyous occasions... - high. And in time of war, famine, drought, and other times of calamity, shelo tavo - low. May these trumpets which symbolize the highs and lows, soon be heard from the Beit HaMikdash, BIMHEIRA B'YAMEINU AMEN - HIGH!