This week's parsha is Parashat Naso, the longest in the Torah. It explores a range of important themes: the census of the Levites, the laws of the Sotah and Nazir, the Priestly Blessing, and the offerings brought by the leader of each tribe for the inauguration of the Mishkan. The Torah is typically concise with its words, often avoiding repetition. Yet when it comes to the offerings made by each tribe, the Torah repeats the description of each leader’s offering in full and identically detailed twelve times. This unusual repetition prompts rabbis to ask the question: why repeat the same gifts in such detail? Why not summarize them? 

One of these offerings stands out. When describing the offering of Netanel ben Tzuar, leader of the tribe of Issachar, the Torah repeats the word "he brought" twice. According to Rashi, this is significant for two reasons. First, the tribe of Issachar was known for its deep Torah knowledge Second, Netanel was the one who originally proposed the idea of each tribe bringing an offering. This raised some tension, particularly from the tribe of Reuven, who felt bypassed in the order. But Hashem instructed that the order should follow the structure of the  encampment of each tribe.

There was also a difficult decision Netanel had to make. If he gave an offering that was more extravagant than Judah’s, it might set an expectation for others to outdo him, which not every tribe could afford. But if his offering was too modest, his own tribe might see it as unworthy. His choice to propose an identical offering for all tribes reflected not only humility but also deep wisdom.

This gesture of equality, where the tribe of Issachar brought the same offerings as the tribe of Judah, inspired the rest to follow. Netanel understood that even when gifts are materially equal, they are spiritually unique, shaped by each tribe’s intention and character.

This message is especially relevant as many of us are receiving our exam grades this week. It is a moment of reflection, not comparison. Parashat Naso teaches us to celebrate our achievements humbly, acknowledging that each person’s journey is unique. We are reminded not to measure our success by whether we outperformed others, but by how true we were to our own path. Not everyone receives the grades they hoped for. Like the tribe of Reuven, some may feel left behind—but they were told to trust in Hashem’s plan and walk their own path.

The Torah’s decision to repeat all twelve offerings reminds us that effort matters, even when the outcomes appear identical. The energy, thought, and values behind each contribution are what truly count. True leadership is not about standing out or pushing others down—it is about elevating others, creating unity, and inspiring growth.

Rabbi Sacks teaches that holiness is not about withdrawing from the world, but about being actively present in service and community. The tribal leaders did not compete, they built something together. Like Netanel ben Tzuar, we too can lead by lifting others, sharing ideas, and helping each other grow. This Shabbat, may we focus not on comparison, but on contribution. May we find holiness in our shared effort and our collective strength.

Shabbat Shalom.

Annabelle, Grade 11