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Torah Portion: PARSHAS NASO-KNOW THYSELF

		PARSHAS NASO-KNOW THYSELF By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis

The Torah is here to teach us that the mistakes that we make in life, the sins that we commit, are not born in a vacuum. PARSHAS NASO KNOW THYSELF In this week’s parsha it is written: “And they shall confess their sin that they committed” (Numbers, 5:7). The question is obvious - one can only confess a sin that one has committed, so why the redundancy of language (“that they committed”)? The Torah is here to teach us that the mistakes that we make in life, the sins that we commit, are not born in a vacuum. They stem from deep roots, so if we are to confess, it is not just verbal platitudes that are required, but genuine soul searching. The parsha teaches us that if we really want to elevate ourselves, if we really want to change and become better, more spiritual individuals, as painful as it may be, we have to go through this process honestly, without rationalizations. We must ask ourselves “What led me to stray from this path? How is it that I have become so lost? Once we come to grips with that and discover the answer, it will become possible for us to uproot that negativity from our hearts and embark upon a new course. That’s what tshuva - repentance is all about. This parsha reminds every individual that they have a unique mission in life. The portion opens with the words “Count the children of Gershon also”. The word “also” jars. What does it mean? The children of Gershon had the responsibility of carrying the curtains and other heavy items of the Tabernacle. At first glance, one might think that to be charged with such a menial task is to be labeled a “schlepper”, a porter. Therefore, the Torah tells us, “Count them also”, reminding us that the children of Gershon were as important as those who had the responsibility of carrying the Holy Ark. It’s not what we do but how we do it that counts. It’s the love and dedication that we invest in a task that makes the difference. This is a vital lesson for us to absorb. Instead of envying what others are doing, instead of looking upon ourselves as “schleppers”, we should realize that if we fulfill our responsibilities with sincerity, we will be uplifted and achieve our unique mission in life. G-d judges us by our efforts, by our faith, by our commitment, as it is written “According to the effort is the reward...” This lesson is reinforced at the end of the parsha where the offerings of the princes of the tribes are recounted. Each prince brought the exact same gift, but instead of stating just that, the Torah repeats it twelve times, once again teaching us that it is not only what we give, but the manner in which we give it that is significant, so while each tribe offered the same gift, their “kavanah” - thoughts and emotions were different. Thus, we all recite the same prayers, but each of us has our own special way of expressing them, and that is what renders us unique. We never need to compete. We never need to strive to be someone else. We need only strive to fulfill our own potential, to realize our own mission, and that is how we will find favor in the sight of G-d. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Osher Candle Lighting Time, Fri. June 13 - 8:08 P.M. 13 Sivan 5763 Shabbos ends Sat. June 14, 9:16 PM ________________________________________ JOIN REBBETZIN ESTHER JUNGREIS THURSDAY, JUNE 19 at EICHLER’ S JUDAICA 62 West 45 Street 12:30 -2:00PM or BARNES & NOBLE Broadway & 82 Street 7:30 PM The Rebbetzin will be speaking and signing copies of her best selling book, The Committed Marriage