Spiritual Gems from the parsha

You shall take a count (lit. "Lift the heads") of the sons of Gershon (Num. 4:22)

The "head symbolizes the brain and our higher faculties, which we use to learn and understand G-d's wisdom. The Torah tells us to "lift our heads" - to constantly strive to learn more and more, for by doing so we will simultaneously "lift up" the rest of the "body," those commandments we perform with our other limbs.


(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

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Because the service of the Sanctuary belonged to them; they were to bear it upon their shoulders (Num. 7:9)

Worshipping G-d properly is hard work, requiring much effort and "elbow grease." The perfection of G-dly service does not just happen by itself. "If one says, 'I have not toiled, yet I have succeeded' - do not believe him."


(Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk)

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If any man or woman commits a sin against a fellow man, thereby committing an offense against G-d (Num. 5:6)

For most sins which the Torah demands an offering, a small, inexpensive one is sufficient for atonement. The exception to this rule is the guilt offering, which was brought for the sin of stealing. This offering had to be worth at least two selaim. Why? Other sins are committed only against G-d; stealing is a double offense, committed against man and G-d alike. The atonement offering, therefore, had to be more costly.


(M'lo Haomer)

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And every man's holy things shall be his. Whatever he gives the priest shall belong to him (Num. 5:10)

Someone once asked the fabulously wealthy Rothschild from Frankfurt exactly how much he was worth. Rothschild responded by quoting the verse, "And every man's holy things shall be his." "The only riches a person can count as truly belonging to him," he said, "are those he has used for good and holy purposes, such as giving charity and supporting Torah institutions. No one can take these away. The same cannot be said, however, for the rest of one's fortune..."

(Fun Unzer Alten Otzar)