We know that the Torah is quite sparing with words, and many times we can derive laws from just one extra letter. Therefore, it is puzzling that our parashah dedicates so many verses to the offerings brought by the Nesi’im (tribe leaders) upon the inauguration of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary that accompanied Klal Yisrael (the Jewish nation) in the desert. The twelve Nesi’im brought identical gifts, yet instead of mentioning the first offering and then stating that the others followed suit, the Torah repeats the same passage twelve times! Why is this so?
The Honor of Individuality
The Ramban (Bamidbar 7:2) explains that Hashem (God) has a great desire to honor those who fear Him, as the verse says, “Those who honor Me, I will honor” (Shmuel I 2:30). The Nesi’im were such holy, God-fearing people that Hashem wished to accord each of them individual honor. It would have been unfitting to mention only one of the Nesi’im and simply state that the others brought the same offerings.
Elaborating on this idea, Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe (Alei Shur, vol. 2 p. 278) teaches that there is an additional dimension to the trait of gratitude. We all know that we are meant to feel gratitude toward Hashem, as well as toward people who help us. However, there is also Hashem’s appreciation toward us. Rav Wolbe explains that Hashem deeply valued the righteous Nesi’im, and as an expression of appreciation, gave each of them an individual passage describing his offering.
The Merit of Our Forefathers
This idea — that Hashem values and appreciates our efforts — is also a central theme of the Yom Tov of Shavuot that we recently experienced. On Shavuot, we commemorate that Hashem chose us from all the nations to become His treasured people and gave us the greatest gift imaginable: the Torah. In what merit were we chosen? Our forefathers excelled in avodat Hashem, serving Hashem with tremendous dedication and reaching extraordinary spiritual heights. Hashem appreciated their righteousness, their sacrifices and their unwavering commitment, and in that merit their descendants were chosen to become His nation.
This is something we mention three times daily in the first berachah (blessing) of the Shemoneh Esrei when we say zocher chasdei avot, “Who remembers the kindnesses of our forefathers.” We are praising Hashem for valuing and remembering the righteousness of our ancestors, for in that merit we were privileged to receive the Torah and become His chosen people.
Our Sages teach that every Shavuot we spiritually re-experience Kabbalat HaTorah (receiving the Torah) anew. Therefore, each year Hashem once again sees our virtues and chooses us to receive His Torah. As we leave behind the inspiration of Shavuot and return to our daily routines, we should carry this message with us throughout the year: Hashem loves us, cherishes our efforts and deeply appreciates every sincere step we take toward Him.
Standing Strong in a Modern World
The Arizal notes that this message is especially relevant in our generation. We face countless distractions, temptations and spiritual challenges that earlier generations did not encounter on the same scale. Therefore, our avodat Hashem is especially beloved and precious in Hashem’s eyes. In fact, the Arizal writes that even a small mitzvah (Torah commandment) performed in our times can equal many great mitzvot performed in earlier generations.
Adding to this idea, Rav Yerucham Levovitz (Da’at Torah vol. 4 p. 147) teaches that the later generations may be even more worthy to greet Mashiach than earlier ones. Those who sincerely apply themselves to Torah study and mitzvah observance despite the pressures and influences surrounding them are accomplishing something truly remarkable. We cannot begin to fathom how much Hashem cherishes these efforts. Every time we refrain from speaking lashon hara, every time we avoid looking at something inappropriate, every quiet spiritual victory is immeasurably precious in Hashem’s eyes.
How Heaven Sees Our Struggles
The Chafetz Chaim would travel to various cities throughout Eastern Europe selling his sefarim (Torah books). On one occasion, while visiting Vilna, he stayed at a certain inn. There he noticed a large, rough-looking man who appeared to lack basic etiquette. The man lifted an entire hen and stuffed it into his mouth, washing it down with a large cup of beer in one gulp. Most people would likely have been repulsed by such behavior. Yet the Chafetz Chaim warmly approached him and lovingly shook his hand.
“I understand that you were conscripted into the Russian army and nevertheless remained a practicing Jew,” the Chafetz Chaim told him with admiration. “What incredible merit you possess! To preserve your faith under such difficult conditions is extraordinary. You endured spiritual tests far greater than those faced by many others, yet you remained loyal to Hashem. How precious you must be in the Eyes of Heaven!”
These heartfelt words deeply penetrated the soldier’s heart. Eventually, he became a talmid (student) of the Chafetz Chaim and later developed into an outstanding Torah scholar.
Sometimes we look at ourselves and focus only on our shortcomings and failures. Yet Hashem looks at the effort, the struggle and the determination to keep moving forward. In a world filled with so many distractions and challenges, every sincere mitzvah, every moment of self-control and every act of loyalty to Hashem is infinitely treasured by Him.
Quick Review: Your Effort Matters
While the gifts brought by each of the Nesi’im (tribal leaders) were identical, the Torah repeats each one individually to show that Hashem deeply treasures the unique, personal intent and sincere effort behind every single individual’s contribution.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
