A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parsha Beha’aloscha
Nisunim Nisunim
For three weeks we have been learning of the uniqueness, responsibility and leadership expected from the tribe of Yaakov and Leah’s third son, shevet Levi. The Rambam explains their role in his famous words which conclude hilchos shmitta v’yoveil and teaches us that shevet Levi is huvdal la’avod es Hashem l’sharso . . . as cheil Hashem. Moreover, the Rambam continues not only is shevet Levi so designated but any Yid, who wishes to devote his life to the total service of the Ribbono Shel Olam, is considered an honorary member of shevet Levi as well.
While parshiyos Bamidbar and Naso introduced us to the Levites role and their special tasks of the nosei haMishkan, Bahaaloscha defines their ascent to distinction. Though a Levi is accorded the rights to maaser and the second aliya by virtue of his birth it is only as a result of the ceremony described at the beginning of this week’s parsha that their role is defined for eternity. It is a ritual worth studying. First they were purified. Indeed the prerequisite quality of leadership is tahara. Corruption has no place at the helm and must be eradicated from the start. Next is a korban. Personal sacrifice and selflessness for the Ribbono Shel Olam and for the klal is the mantra of every Levite’s life. Ultimately the final act of consecration is hanafah – the waving of each Levi as if he were the arbah minim. This protocol directs the Levi to focus his spiritual energies on each and every one of the six sides – north, east, west, south, top and bottom of our three dimensional world. Finally, he is ready for the task ahead. This entire ceremony leads up to shevet Levi’s Torah ordained role. Not just to be the distinctive spiritual shevet of Klal Yisrael but to be nisunim nisunim mitoch Bnei Yisrael.
Rashi quotes Chazal and explains that the phrase nisunim nisunim means nisunim l’masah nisunmin lashir, selected for burdens and selected for song. What defines a Levi? It is his ability to carry the spiritual load of Am Yisrael and to do it with song. To manage responsibility with joy! This defines the quintessential role of the Levi and is a model for us all. Ivdu es Hashem b’simcha is not just a catch phrase. It is to be a way of life.
The Netziv notes that the hanafah portion of the ceremony is done twice. Once before and once after the korban, Why? The first hanafah was to wave their hearts towards the darchei Hashem the second was to focus their mind to Yedias Hashem. These two ingredients heart and mind, feelings and intellect are critical for the Levi to achieve his mission. One cannot reach the madreiga of nisunuin nisunim without them. First is a feeling heart corresponding to nisunim limasah. Indeed, it is the nisinas halev, the love we have for the Ribbono Shel Olam that helps one tolerate the ol mitzvos. Nevertheless, with all the heart in the world, it will remain a burden, which risks being cast aside, unless there is also an intellectual understanding of the important job being done. One needs limud, and yideas haTorah to enable the song of simcha to burst forth. True joy is not found in emotion alone. It must be combined with deep and penetrating knowledge. This is a valuable message to heed. In many ways we all carry the distinct banner of “shevet Levi” as His beacons of Torah living. We must strive to be nisunim nisunim – responsible and happy in the great role we have been gifted.
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