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

  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…

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“For the crown of his G-d is upon his head.” (6:7)

This degree of holiness attained by the nazir requires explanation. Should one be so exalted for abstaining from wine for thirty days? There are many individuals who abstain from wine and let their hair grow, and yet virtually remain on the same level of immorality and depravity as before. Rabbi Leib Chasman Zt”l explains that the principle virtue of the nazir lies in the thought and reflection which preceded his decision to become a nazir. His resolution to become a nazir comes as a result of a profound understanding of life, leading to a conclusion which enlightens him and changes…

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“But if the woman had not forfeited her purity and is pure. Then she shall be cleaned and shall conceive a child.” (5:28)

The Talmud in Berachos (31b) quotes in the name of Rabbi Yishmael that if this woman was previously childless, she would now have a child. Rabbi Akiva disagrees and says that if she had difficult births she would now bear children with ease. In any event, the blameless sotah merited various blessings. Why is this? Should a woman who was so close to promiscuity that her husband had warned her not to be secluded with an individual man, be so rewarded? Although she did not reach the epitome of sin, she nevertheless does not represent one who rightfully deserves blessing!…

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“Take the sum of the sons of Gershon, also them.” (4:22)

Many commentators discuss the superfluous words “also them”. We learn from this that in order to achieve one’s true potential in life, a person should not underestimate his own abilities and become discouraged. Very often, people do not “rise to the occasion” due to a lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem. Unfortunately, this often applies to the observance of mitzvos and Torah study; one might say, since I will not be a great scholar, why go through the effort if the goal is unattainable. Similarly, many who are approached to contribute to a worthy cause reply that their donation is…

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