The Flying "Nuun"

The Flying "Nuun"

From Beth El of Manhattan, Two-Testament Synagogue by Rabbi Bruce L. Cohen

April 4, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

This episode explores the significance of the enlarged 'nuun' in the Torah and its implications for understanding the limits of knowing God.

In the Torah portion this week there is an enlarged "nuun" (Hebrew Letter "N") in every Torah scroll's Exodus 34:7. This number in Hebrew represents the number "50." The Sages of Israel say there is profound reason this "Nuun" is made large to grab attention: It has to do with the limits of how much anyone - even a Moses who knew God so intimately - can "know" God to the full reach of God's identity. We explore this aspect of knowing God today. Enjoy, and Shalom!

People in this episode

Host: Rabbi Bruce L. Cohen

Topics covered

  • Torah
  • God
  • Judaism
  • spirituality
  • knowledge of God

Keywords

  • nuun
  • Torah portion
  • Exodus 34:7
  • knowledge of God
  • Moses
  • Judaism
  • spirituality

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Torah, Exodus

Places: Israel

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