From the Desk of Rabbi Shlomo Rizel Torah Portion: Naso

Dear Friends, This week’s Torah portion, Naso, is the longest in the entire Torah. The length is due, in part, to the descriptions of the gifts brought by each of the nesiim, the twelve tribal leaders, to dedicate the altar of the traveling sanctuary. These 12 leaders all brought the exact same offering, but instead of just describing it once and saying each leader did the same, the Torah repeats each one with all the identical details. One reason for this is to remind us that the Divine service of each individual is important, even if it is identical to what everyone else is doing. When everyone is doing the same thing, it can sometimes be difficult to make your actions unique. When everyone is reading the same words from the prayer book, you may not feel like you are communicating adequately with G-d. So the Torah reminds us that we should each focus on our service, regardless of what everyone else is doing. G-d looks at us as individuals and appreciates our work, both as individuals as well as part of the collective. You can be your own person even within the crowd! Shabbat shalom. Shlomo