Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

“On the second day Nesanel Ben Tzuar, the prince of the tribe of Yisacher, did offer.” (7:18)

Download PDF

  The Alter of Kelm Zt”l explains the Torah’s repeated recounting of the offerings of the Neseiim. Since the offerings were all the same, the Torah wishes to express the individuality of the donor, despite the fact that he was a member of a group. It is generally assumed that when a number of Jews performs a mitzvah the group is viewed as one individual, and in accordance with this, there is no discernment of the individual’s contribution to the success of this endeavor. This parsha teaches us that this is not true. Hashem does not view the group as one general assemblage, but rather He rejoices with each and every individual as if he were the only one in the world. Hashem’s love for the individual does not in any way diminish as a result of others who also perform the same mitzvah.

The Baalei Musar express the Neseiim’s individuality in a different light. Each individual offering, despite the appearance of being the same, was inherently different in nature and approach. Every tribe represented an exclusive and singular approach to serving Hashem, based upon the distinct character and nature of the tribe. Since each Nasi offered his korban representing his individual approach, the Torah recounts each korban independently.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

You have Successfully Subscribed!