OU Torah Insights Project

Parshat Naso concludes on a high note, with the dedication of the altar in the Tabernacle and a detailed description of the offerings brought by the princes of the tribes of Israel. It is then followed by the parsha of, Beha'alotecha which begins with the maintenance of the Tabernacle's menorah. What is the reason for this juxtaposition?

Rashi explains: When Aharon saw the dedication of the princes, he was filled with anguish, since both he and his tribe, the Levites, had been excluded from bringing offerings. Hashem, however, said to him, "By your life, yours is greater than theirs, for you shall kindle the menorah."

The Ramban is disturbed by Rashi's interpretation. Why is servicing the menorah compensation for missing out on the dedication of the altar?

Furthermore, the Torah is careful to itemize the gifts of each of the princes. But why? The offerings of each one was identical to that of the next. Why didn't the Torah simply summarize and state that each one brought the following gift?

Rav Solomon Breuer, zt"l, offers a meaningful interpretation. The Torah's purposefully repeats each of the princes offerings to teach a fundamental lesson that twelve different men may offer the very same gift to Hashem, yet each gift carries its own weight. "Judge the donor according to the gift and the gift according to the donor."

The spirit and joy with which a gift is given determines its real value. Twelve princes can bring the same offering and each bears its own significance to Hashem.

The Torah, in reiterating each offering, teaches us that at that moment their hearts, thoughts and spirit were united with a solemn vow, to place all their possessions in the service of Hashem and His causes.

Regrettably, such feeling does not always find its way into our practice. Thus, according to Rashi, Hashem reassures Aharon, "Your task of kindling the menorah is greater than theirs." The Midrash notes, "You are chosen for greater tasks. Sacrifices are offered only as long as the Sanctuary stands, but the lights of the menorah are forever."

The light of the menorah represents the light of Torah. Aharon's daily maintenance of the menorah served to keep the focus of all the the service in the Tabernacle on Hashem above, on fealty to His word and to His law.

I would also make a connection between Parshat Naso, which is the largest parsha in the Torah, comprising 176 verses, and the 119th chapter of Tehillim, which also contains 176 verses and is the longest in Tehillim. The psalm carries the distinct title, "Torah, the Way of Life."

It is the light of Torah which gives real purpose to our lives. Offerings and gifts may be of great significance, but the essence of our lives remains best expressed by Dovid Hamelech, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

AMIT	Orthodox Union	National Council of Young Israel
Bnei Akiva	Poalei Agudath Yisroel	Religious Zionists of America
Emunah	Rabbinical Council of America	Touro College Alumni

RIETS Alumni, Stern College Alumnae, Sy Syms School of Business Alumni, & Yeshiva College Alumni (YU)

Torah Insights for Shabbat Parashat Naso

June 14, 1997