The Leaders of the Tribes
Each shevet (tribe) in the desert had their own Nasi, the leader of their tribe. Our parashah opens by telling us who the Nesi’im (leaders) were, and instructs them to be present when each tribe was counted. Names carry tremendous significance, and therefore the names of each of the Nesi’im testify to their character and mission in this world.
Netanel — “Given by Hashem”
The name of the Nasi of the tribe of Yissachar was Netanel, which means “given by Hashem.” Why specifically did this Nasi receive this name? The tribe of Yissachar was famous for their agreement with the tribe of Zevulun, whereby Zevulun supported them financially so they could devote themselves fully to Torah study. The members of the tribe of Yissachar immersed themselves in Torah day and night, toiling with great diligence, while Zevulun’s members engaged in commerce, living near the ports and trading with other nations. Zevulun used their profits to support Yissachar, enabling them to continue their learning with peace of mind.
Chazal explain that the Nasi of Yissachar was called Netanel — “given by Hashem” — to symbolize that his tribe devoted itself to the holy Torah, which is the ultimate gift given by Hashem (Midrash Aggadah, Bamidbar 7). The giving of the Torah was the greatest possible gift to mankind (Chovot HaLevavot, Sha’ar HaBechinah ch. 5). Therefore, this tribe that embodied Torah study was given a name that reflects this tremendous privilege.
The Torah — Hashem’s Greatest Gift
Let us explore why the Torah is referred to as our greatest gift. When the Torah was given, Hashem declared that we are to be a “kingdom of priests” and a “treasured nation.” When we reflect on this, it is truly mind-boggling. There are over seven billion people in the world, and we make up less than 0.2%. Yet we were chosen to be Hashem’s special emissaries in this world. We cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of this privilege. Hashem, the King of all Kings, selected us from among the nations to be His cherished people.
Matan Torah — A Divine Marriage
Our Sages teach that at Har Sinai we, so to speak, became married to Hashem. Chazal (our Sages) derive this from a verse in Shir HaShirim referring to “the day of His wedding,” which is understood as Matan Torah (The Giving of the Torah). We also see this in the verse: תורה צוה לנו משה מורשה קהלת יעקב – The Torah that Moshe commanded us is the inheritance of the congregation of Yaakov. The word “מורשה (morashah)” usually means inheritance, yet Chazal explain that it can also be read as “me’orasah,” meaning betrothed. Thus, when we received the Torah, we entered into a form of betrothal with Hashem.
We also see this idea in the well-known teaching of Chazal that Hashem held the mountain over our heads (Shabbat 88a), which is understood as a form of chuppah (wedding canopy) — symbolizing the “marriage” that took place at Matan Torah (Hafla’ah).
Reliving Har Sinai Through Torah Study
Each time we learn Torah, we are learning the direct words of Hashem and, in a sense, reliving the experience of Har Sinai. Moreover, the Shechinah (Divine Presence) listens to every word we learn. Each word of Torah is of immense value and is considered equivalent in weight to the entire 613 mitzvot (Torah commandments). Additionally, Torah study brings forgiveness for sins, protection from misfortune, Divine safeguarding, and elevates a person to be especially beloved — even called a “friend” of Hashem. It also gives added power to one’s tefillot (prayers) (Zohar).
Appreciating the Gift on Shavuot
Although we express gratitude for this gift daily in Birchat HaTorah (the blessings recited on the Torah) — “Baruch Atah Hashem, Noten HaTorah” — there is a special obligation to deepen this appreciation on Shavuot.
For this reason, on Shavuot, Rav Yosef (a leading amora, Talmudic sage) would request a particularly fine meat delicacy, saying: “Were it not for this day, how many Yosefs would there be in the marketplace?” Rav Yosef used Shavuot as a day to express gratitude for the incredible impact Torah had on his life. Without Shavuot, he would not have become the great amora whose teachings illuminate the world for all generations. His greatness and influence were entirely rooted in the gift of Torah.
The Joy of Torah in the Yeshivot of Europe
Rav Avigdor Miller said that in the Yeshivot of Europe, Shavuot was considered the happiest day of the year — even more than Simchat Torah. He explained that the students would dance with great excitement because they recognized how fortunate they were to receive the precious gift of Torah.
The Chafetz Chaim’s Love for Torah
The Chafetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisrael Meir HaKohen Kagan) had such tremendous love and thirst for Torah that he would speak about its greatness with deep joy. Shavuot was especially beloved to him and was celebrated in his yeshivah with great enthusiasm. On Erev Shavuot (Shavuot Eve), the benches and desks were moved aside, and when Yom Tov (the holiday) arrived, the students would dance with immense passion, singing praises of the Torah. Watching his students dance with such sincerity, the Chafetz Chaim’s face would radiate pure joy. (Adapted from Chafetz Chaim, Chayav U’Pa’alav, Vol. 1, p. 288)
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
