Naso – Peninim on the Torah

“On the second day, Nesanel ben Tzuar offered, the Nasi of Yisachar.” (7:12)

The Torah does not contain a single redundant letter. We can derive a lesson even from the different spellings of a given word. Why then is so much space devoted to the korbanos brought by the twelve Nesiim? Would it not have conceivably been appropriate to describe the korban of Nachshon ben Aminadav — who was the first Nasi to bring a sacrifice — then say that each of the other Nesiim followed suit? The commentators address this question and respond with various lessons to be derived from the repetition. The Midrash explains that although the twelve offerings were identical,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Naso, 5756

“And it was on the day that Moshe finished setting up the Mishkan.” (7:1)

Rashi states that although it was Betzalel, Ohaliav and the entire crew of craftsmen who built the Mishkan, the Torah ascribes the honor to Moshe. His tenacious dedication to certitude that each artifact was made according to its exact dimensions, and that each craftsmen properly executed his task, earned him this distinction. The Midrash Tanchuma in Parashas Pekudei relates that Moshe asked Hashem, “How is it possible for a man to set up the walls of the Mishkan on his own?” On a simple level, Moshe, of course, is referring to the sheer physical weight of the beams, walls and…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Naso, 5756

“Speak to Aharon and his sons, saying, so shall you bless the Bnei Yisrael.” (6:23)

The Kohanim are to serve as the vehicles through which Hashem’s blessing is bestowed upon Klal Yisrael. In order to transmit blessing one must maintain a harmonious relationship with the people. Indeed, Chazal teach us that a Kohen who does not “get along” with the people should not bless them. The Maharsham, zl, was bothered by the brachah which the Kohen recites prior to the blessing. He says, “And He commanded us to bless His nation Yisrael with love.” How does one express himself lovingly to all Jews? Does this “love” apply also to the rasha, wicked Jew, who has…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Naso, 5756

“Speak to the Bnei Yisrael… man or woman who shall disassociate themselves by taking a Nazirite vow for the sake of Hashem.” (6:2)

Rashi cites Chazal who give a practical reason for the juxtaposition of the laws of Nazir upon those of the sotah, the wayward wife. They comment that one who sees a sotah in her degradation should take a Nazirite vow prohibiting himself from drinking wine. Drinking wine in excess may cause one to lose control of his faculties, so that he sins. We may question this rationale. If one sees the tragic results of promiscuity and wanton behavior is it still necessary to become a Nazir? After all, would the horrible sight of the sotah’s debasement and death not be…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Naso, 5756

“A man’s holies shall be his, and what a man shall give to the Kohen shall be his.” (5:10)

Chazal interpret this pasuk to imply that he who gives tzedakah to the poor or gifts to the Kohen or Levi will not sustain any loss as a result. It shall be vhvh uk, it will continue to be his-as Hashem will reward him. Accumulating wealth carries with it enormous responsibility. The first blessing that the Kohanim confer upon Bnei Yisrael is, “Hashem should bless you and guard you.” This blessing grants Klal Yisrael material abundance. Riches and prosperity, however, do not always generate blessing. At times, one needs to be protected from his own possessions, he must be guarded…

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“On the second day, Nesanel ben Tzuar offered, the Nasi of Yisachar.” (7:12)

“And it was on the day that Moshe finished setting up the Mishkan.” (7:1)

“Speak to Aharon and his sons, saying, so shall you bless the Bnei Yisrael.” (6:23)

“Speak to the Bnei Yisrael… man or woman who shall disassociate themselves by taking a Nazirite vow for the sake of Hashem.” (6:2)

“A man’s holies shall be his, and what a man shall give to the Kohen shall be his.” (5:10)

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