Same but Different
In this weeks portion we read the gifts of each Nasi - prince of each tribe in the consecration of the Mishkan - tabernacle.
They all gave exactly the same gift yet the Torah repeats each one, exactly the same for each tribe.
Every letter in Torah contains wisdom and lessons for us. Why would the Torah seemingly just copy and paste?
The Rebbe teaches us a beautiful message from this passage: Just because it looks the same doesn't mean its impact is the same. You can have two people do the same thing and they get something completely different out of it. We may both do a mitzvah and appreciate it for different reasons. We may both learn something and each of us will walk away with a different message.
This is one of the many beautiful expressions within the Jewish people. We are one people but twelve tribes. Charged with the same mission of bringing G-dliness into this world, but we each go about it in our own special way.
Bring your individuality into your community. We are all counting on it.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Baruch Hecht
