Parshat Naso5779-The conformity and individuality

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June 14 2019
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Dvar Torah on Parshat Naso in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Rina Levitt


In this parsha we have a tremendous description of the gifts and offerings brought by the princes of Israel to the Mishkan on the occasion of its opening. The strange revelation here is that every tribal offering, when examined, turned out to be the same, in terms of animals, gold, silver etc. Surely this is something which requires investigation?


The commentators (Ramban and others)on the Torah are also baffled by this turn of events. They suggest that even though every tribe contributed the same offerings, their intentions and meanings for each offering were different. Some of them were thinking of the creation of the world and others of the people who have populated the world such as Adam and Chava and the Avot. The mentioning of all offerings together is to show that each one was as important as the next and that there was no favoritism in the bringing of the sacrifices. All of them mattered equally.


I would like to add that I have always understood a slightly different message here. Even though two people may look the same and even behave the same, their individuality and motivation must always differ, in  the same way that their basic appearance as humans differs (“just as their faces are different, so are their points of View”- Talmud Sanhedrin). In fact, I have always believed that the beauty of Judaism is that we are all encouraged to serve G-d in our own way, based on the framework of Jewish practice as given to us on Mount Sinai and beyond. The individuality within the conformity is what makes us interesting, and this is exactly why each sacrifice became so  important , even if they looked the same on the outside.


I remember vividly the doctor in Gateshead who served the yeshiva when needed.His name was Dr.Chalk and he came from Dublin Ireland(and had a very 'irish' sense of humor)..I once asked him which Chassidik group he was part of, as he wore a 'gartel' but it was a green one(as opposed to the usual black variety).He told me, with a big smile, that he was part of the 'leprechaun' sect,which wore the green gartel.His service of G-d was exemplary and he understood the need for individuality in the midst of conformity. (May he be for a blessing).


It is no coincidence that Rina’s is Bat Mitzvah on this Shabbat. Her individuality is so precious and her smile and midot very unique and something to admire. At the same time she enjoys conforming to the life of Mitzvot, Torah observance and Torah study, and does it with her own flair and panache. This is why we can celebrate today and feel inspired by both Rina and the parsha. It is fun to be Jewish and to conform, while being yourself at the same time, and it is certainly fun to be with Rina at any time!


May you continue to inspire us all, especially in your love of life and the way you cope with life’s challenges. May you continue to grow in your observance and become the leader in Klal Yisrael, which I am sure you will become.


Mazal Tov and much love,


Zaidy


June 15, 2019


Venue: Stern College Stern College

Parsha:
Naso 

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In honor of the Batmitzva of my granddaughter ,Rina Levitt, in Silver Spring, Maryland @KMS synagogue.

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    Learning on the Marcos and Adina Katz YUTorah site is sponsored today by Judy & Mark Frankel & family l'ilui nishmos מרדכי בן הרב משה יהודה ע"ה and משה יהודה ז"ל בן מאיר אליהו ויהודית and by the Polinsky Family to commemorate the 5th Yahrzeit of Gil Polinsky, Gedalyahu Gootmun Chaim ben Yaakov Dov