As we approach the first Shabbos away from Shavuos, we note that the Parshas HaShavua is Parshas Naso. Among other mitzvos, the Parsha contains some enormous lessons on why and how to control the Yetzer Hora, and the kinds of brachos we should look to give and to receive. We would like here to only point to the fact that this Parsha is almost always read on the Shabbos after Shavuos, and that it is the longest Parsha in the Torah. Part of the reason it is the longest Parsha is that each of the 12 Nesseim’s private donations to the Mishkan is separately detailed, notwithstanding that the donation are otherwise fully identical in object, kind and amount. Chazal (at length in Bamidbar Rabba on these Pesukim) teach that this individualized detail was not done so that we can simply stay more attached to Yom Tov by reading more and more Pesukim of Torah right after Shavuos (although this, in and of itself, would be a sufficient reason). Rather, the Medrash teaches that behind the otherwise identical and seemingly (Chas V’Shalom) repetitive Pesukim is a lesson for eternity--that they all looked the same, but that they were all very different, because each Nassi had his own Kavanos, his personal thoughts, when he brought his korban.

We can derive a very important lesson from this relating to the study of Torah itself. While many people may appear to learn similar Torah topics, as they may be among the tens of thousands who study the Parsha with Rashi weekly, or who the thousands who learn two Halachos of Shmiras HaLashon every day, or part of the 15 people attending a local Daf Yomi shiur, there really is a difference between each and every one of them, because the manner of study of no two are the same.

Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, teaches us in the last, ultimate, chapter of Mishlei, known to us as Aishes Chayil, that the key, perhaps concomitantly most elusive and elevating, element of Torah study, the aspect that brings one to the height of service, is "Chayil", valor or strength, in Torah learning. We must put our efforts, our strengths, our wherewithal into Torah study in no less measure than into our business goals, monetary objectives and anything else in life that is very important to us. It is no coincidence (as we know, there is never a "coincidence", and there never can be one) that the Gematria of Chayil is equal to 48, symbolizing the need to strive for all 48 Ways we briefly alluded to yesterday. Moreover, the number 48 (Mem Ches) spells Moach, indicating the necessity of seriously putting all of one’s mind to attaining Torah knowledge and practice. Chazal teach that "Torah weakens the strength of a person". In truth, most activity weakens a person, whose soul is housed in flesh and blood. If something is to weaken a person, it is certainly much more preferred that it be Torah then...

The Chofetz Chaim (Chomas HaDas, Chapter 4) teaches us that there is a common mistake made by many, and he explains with a mashal. A man took a serious fall into a deep pit, suffered severe bruises and injuries, and could barely breathe. Sincere passersby hurriedly lowered themselves into the pit, and began trying all kinds of methods to bandage the wounds with the little that they had. A doctor, hearing the commotion climbed into the pit. Assessing the situation, he exclaimed "This man does not need bandages now--he can barely breathe! Give me room!" After reviving him, the doctor was able to bring him out of danger, and the man successfully recovered. The Chofetz Chaim taught--we, too, are in the deep pit of Galus--and we desperately need help. But bandages simply will not do, for we must first get to the breathing--and our breath is Torah. (See Avos 6:6, 7) We must, as the doctor, recognize and emphasize its absolute need to be the first and vital step of our cure. And the more, and the harder, the breathing is worked at, the quicker and better, the cure.

One can help his breathing in many ways--putting in the effort and taking the precautionary steps necessary to better concentrate when studying, finding the time to accomplish, one step at a time, that which one otherwise planned or would plan for retirement, getting involved in community Torah study projects, and spending good money to support Torah study. Let us do our part. For us, discretion is not the better part of valor. Torah is!

--------------------------

Hakhel MIS