Voices Carry
The true significance of even the smallest details in our lives becomes apparent only when viewed in context.
Parshat Naso covers a wide range of topics, making it challenging to discern a cohesive theme within the Parsha. It begins with the final segment of the national census conducted among the Levite families and concludes with a description of the offerings brought by the tribal leaders during the dedication of the altar. In between, we encounter well-known topics such as the suspected adulterer (Sotah), the laws of the Nazarite, and the priestly benediction (Birkat Kohanim).
Although these topics may initially appear unrelated, we often turn to the Shlah Hakadosh, who suggested that the key to understanding the connection between the various parts of a parsha lies in the name. Therefore, Naso must hold a deeper meaning. As we have previously discussed, the word "naso" encompasses at least 13 different meanings, many of which are relevant to the diverse subjects addressed in the Parsha.
The final section of the parsha focuses on the sacrifices brought by the tribal leaders (Nesi’im), a term derived from the root "naso," which alludes to being in charge of counting and elevating their status above others. It is peculiar that the Torah provides a detailed description of each of the 12 sacrifices brought by the Nesi’im, even though they were identical. Consequently, we end up reading the same depiction 12 times, contributing to Naso with its 176 verses being the longest Parsha in the Torah.
Another repetitive element relates to the day of the Mishkan’s altar dedication, which is mentioned in the Torah at three different junctures: first at the end of Shemot, when the construction of the Mishkan was completed; second in Parshat Shemini, when Aaron's sons were tragically killed by an aish zara, a strange fire, presenting a contrasting perspective; and third, in our current Parsha, where the sacrifices brought by the tribal leaders upon the altar's completion are described. Why does the Torah provide three distinct accounts of the same day?
I believe the answer to this question is particularly relevant to our generation. Nowadays, we are virtually all captured on social media videos. When we later view these videos, we often notice details that escaped our attention in real-time because we are viewing the same events, but in a different context. This phenomenon also reminds me of the movie "The Sixth Sense," a thriller featuring Bruce Willis set in Philadelphia. As the movie unfolds, we believe we understand what is happening, only to have our interpretation completely transformed by a crucial piece of information revealed near the end. The movie then revisits the same scenes we watched earlier, but we see them in an entirely new light.
Similarly, context is what distinguishes the version of events in our Parsha from the previous two versions. Its placement here in the Book of Bamidbar, provides contextual information for the day's events. It situates the Jewish people within the camp alongside the Mishkan, offering us a fresh perspective of the same events.
That is also precisely why the Levites hold a prominent place in our Parsha (and essentially throughout the Book of Bamidbar). Among their primary responsibilities was to bring music to the encampment and the Tabernacle, as music enhances our awareness of the setting. In a movie, when a dramatic song begins playing, we anticipate something significant happening. This is why Naso also means "carry," as in the phrase "carry a tune." As stated in Tehillim
שְֽׂאוּ־זִ֭מְרָה וּתְנוּ־תֹ֑ף כִּנּ֖וֹר נָעִ֣ים עִם־נָֽבֶל׃
Take up the song, sound the timbrel, the melodious lyre and harp [Psalms 81:3]
Similarly, only now, when the encampment provides context, can we experience "nesiat kapayim," the lifting up of the hands of the Kohanim who bless the Jewish people with the words: May God lift up (yisa) His face and bring peace.
יִשָּׂ֨א יְהוָ֤ה ׀ פָּנָיו֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְךָ֖ שָׁלֽוֹם
May God lift up (yisa) His face and bring peace.
The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is derived from the root shalem, which means completion. This highlights that the act of lifting up which gives one a birds-eye view and helps us see things in context, bringing a sense of coherence and a more complete understanding of what is happening in our lives, which brings us peace.
We encounter a similar lesson during the counting of the Omer. As we discussed last week, the Omer period is structured around the number seven, which corresponds to the natural order and God's creation. As we count each day, we learn to appreciate the significance of the seemingly mundane aspects of life. Only upon completing this period can we gain a broader perspective, a panoramic view. It is with this contextual understanding that we are uplifted to the holiday of Shavuot when we receive the Torah.
The Talmud in Mesechet Arachin 13b teaches us that the harp in the Beit Hamikdash had seven strings, but in the messianic era, the number will increase to eight strings, and in the World to Come, it will be ten. Why is this so? It is because even though life may often feel like an endless repetition of mundane details, akin to the repetition of the tribal sacrifices mentioned above, we will ultimately comprehend everything within its context and find meaning in it all. This might be why the torah repeats the sacrifices of the Nes’iim 12 times. To remind us of this message, that even when life feels like many meaningless and disconnected moments, when viewed from above (naso) even the smallest details will make sense.
As I explain in my Pesach book, Bringing Order to the Seder, God has not yet provided us with the complete context, because knowing the end of a movie before watching it would take away from our ability to focus on our day-to-day lives. However, we can be confident that in the future, we will discover the profound significance of every event, even the smallest detail.
If we hold onto this lesson in our hearts and embrace it each day, then, in the end, our lives will culminate like an exciting movie with a beautiful score.
Shabbat shalom.