Nasso - May 30, 2026 / 14 Sivan 5786
This week’s parsha of Nasso is very special to me. Aside from being the longest parsha (and I do love long speeches) it also speaks to me about leadership. In the variety of roles I have played, I have had the opportunity to learn a thing or two about leadership. In fact, 33 years ago this very week I stood up on the bima, took a deep breath, and addressed the synagogue for the first time in my most squeaky voice saying, “Today I am a man!” Yes, it was my Bar Mitzvah and the main thing I remember was being thankful that the latter portion was the same essentially six verses repeated twelve times, and very easy to remember.
I suppose you could say I was successful, after all I am still not there trying to get through the reading. Now I want to share some reasons why the Torah chose to repeat those verses, as nothing in the Torah is superfluous. Each of the twelve leaders (the nasi, or prince of the tribe) brought their offerings for the inauguration of the Tabernacle. Levi, represented by Moses and Aaron had their own roles. What is interesting is that each one is cited as bringing the same set of offerings; yet they were not commanded to do so. They also each bring their offering on a different day and the offering is credited individually to the Nasi by name.
Who were these leaders? Rashi notes that they were the taskmasters appointed over their respective tribes in Egypt who willingly took beatings rather than see their people punished. Traditionally they are said to have been divinely inspired to bring their respective, identical offerings, and there is in fact much symbolism regarding their choice. They were each credited by name though, since these were personal offerings, not from tribal funds. Although each leader was given a day for their time to shine, at the end of the passage they are all grouped together; this lends equality to their offerings and reminds us that leadership is personal and individualized but needs to be able to inspire the team. The Torah is certain to recognize each individual, even at the risk of being repetitive, to ensure all participants are acknowledged and that all numbers are properly calculated and tabulated.
Having said that, the first Nasi, Nachshon Ben Aminadav is a standout. Aside from the fact that his sister was Aaron’s wife, which would alone identify him as a great person, it is said that at the splitting of the Reed Sea he jumped into the waters and kept going through faith in G-d until the waters ultimately split. With that he was rewarded the kingship for his descendants through David, Solomon, and ultimately the Moshiach. Yet he is the only Nasi not described as such; it only states that he was of the tribe of Judah. He was humble to the degree that although he is mentioned first of the leaders, he would not have wanted to be labeled the prince.
As you go through this week remember a few of the lessons of this parsha – lead by example, protect your people, recognize everyone’s contributions to your team, and be humble - everyone knows who you are.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
I suppose you could say I was successful, after all I am still not there trying to get through the reading. Now I want to share some reasons why the Torah chose to repeat those verses, as nothing in the Torah is superfluous. Each of the twelve leaders (the nasi, or prince of the tribe) brought their offerings for the inauguration of the Tabernacle. Levi, represented by Moses and Aaron had their own roles. What is interesting is that each one is cited as bringing the same set of offerings; yet they were not commanded to do so. They also each bring their offering on a different day and the offering is credited individually to the Nasi by name.
Who were these leaders? Rashi notes that they were the taskmasters appointed over their respective tribes in Egypt who willingly took beatings rather than see their people punished. Traditionally they are said to have been divinely inspired to bring their respective, identical offerings, and there is in fact much symbolism regarding their choice. They were each credited by name though, since these were personal offerings, not from tribal funds. Although each leader was given a day for their time to shine, at the end of the passage they are all grouped together; this lends equality to their offerings and reminds us that leadership is personal and individualized but needs to be able to inspire the team. The Torah is certain to recognize each individual, even at the risk of being repetitive, to ensure all participants are acknowledged and that all numbers are properly calculated and tabulated.
Having said that, the first Nasi, Nachshon Ben Aminadav is a standout. Aside from the fact that his sister was Aaron’s wife, which would alone identify him as a great person, it is said that at the splitting of the Reed Sea he jumped into the waters and kept going through faith in G-d until the waters ultimately split. With that he was rewarded the kingship for his descendants through David, Solomon, and ultimately the Moshiach. Yet he is the only Nasi not described as such; it only states that he was of the tribe of Judah. He was humble to the degree that although he is mentioned first of the leaders, he would not have wanted to be labeled the prince.
As you go through this week remember a few of the lessons of this parsha – lead by example, protect your people, recognize everyone’s contributions to your team, and be humble - everyone knows who you are.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh
