This week's Miller's Musings is sponsored by the Moore family in honour of Eli's Bar Mitzvah:
and as a רפואה שלמה for
יהודה זאב בן ברכה אלכסנדרה גילה
דבס''
MILLER’S MUSINGS
נשאפרשת
A Little Respect
As the leaders of their respective tribes, the Princes collectively decided that they wished to donate gifts and offerings of their own towards the Mishkon. And so they came forward, every day one of the Princes bringing their own contribution. Curiously, though each one brought identical donations, the Torah still lists each and every Prince’s offering. Considering the Torah’s axiom that every single word and letter contained within it are absolutely essential, not one being superfluous, we must ask why there was a need to repeat each one? It would surely have sufficed to say after the initial gift “and so too did each of them bring forward likewise”. Why the duplication?
Whereas it is certainly true that this Parsha could have been written in a far more concise manner, just because something can be done, it does not mean that itshould be done. Although brevity is indeed paramount in the Torah, in this case Hashem’s priority was the respect given to the Princes. For if only the first donation, by Nachshon, would actually be stated, and the others inexplicitly referred to, this would be to some degree belittling their contribution. This, says the Ramban, is why the Torah deemed it worthwhile to replicate the presents brought by each and every Prince, despite the seemingly unnecessary duplication. This is the pedestal on which respect for another is placed by the Torah and an incredible affirmation of its tremendous value. Even that which would only somewhat detract from the esteem due, must be avoided at all cost. Such is the value of respect in Hashem’s eyes.
We have spoken previously of the central role that performing kindnesses, big and small, plays in a Torah life. This may be through charity, giving of one’s time or being there for another person when they need you. But from our Parsha and the lengths it goes to in order to convey this message, we see that one of the most vital ways one is required to benefit another is by taking into account their honour. To show that no matter who they are, how they look or what their life situation is, they are valued as someone put here to achieve what only they uniquely can achieve. Respect can be shown in a multitude of ways, each bestowing self-worth on another. Showing that you care by really listening to what they say. Expressing gratitude for what they do. Complimenting them whenever an opportunity arises. Disagreeing by all means, vehemently if necessary, but respecting the person nonetheless. Giving them your time, making it clear that they deserve it. These are simple ways of conveying their importance, irrespective of who they are. They have been created by Hashem and are therefore precious to Him, so must be treated as such by us. Everyone needs to feel wanted, appreciated and cherished. Treat every person you meet with dignity. You are giving them something more valuable than anything else you could give.
*May we honour Shabbos this week and all those we meet in it*
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