VOLUME 116 NUMBER 3
Sivan 17, 5785
June 13, 2025
Parshas Beha’aloscha
Candlelighting Time 8:11
The tribe of Levi was designated to serve in the Mishkan and later in the Beis Hamikdash. Upon their assignment, their entire body was shaven in order to prepare them for this honor. Perhaps one would find this odd that those selected to serve in the highest capacity in the nation should have to sustain embarrassment of this nature. It would seem appropriate to honor them rather than to ridicule them with such a process!
Harav Moshe Sternbuch posits an incredible insight into this matter. The tribe of Levi was financially supported by the nation. They received tithes from the produce grown in Israel, a portion of animals slaughtered, also an allotment of the shearings’ from the sheep. Perhaps one would view this as a lifestyle subsisting on handouts from others. Maybe there would be those in the nation that would have a negative perspective on such a situation. After all, everyone else is working and supporting themselves while the tribe of Levi is not eking out a living rather they are ‘just’ serving in the Mishkan and later the Beis Hamikdash. This entire mode of lifestyle might be a concern and lead to the members of the tribe becoming embarrassed at their arrangement. Therefore, Hashem wanted to train them to absorb such criticism that might humiliate them. Shaving their entire body certainly was degrading and that would give them the mindset that although others might regard them in an adverse manner their insolence wouldn’t perturb them.
Rav Sternbuch extends this theme to include the present day Yeshivos and Kollelim that are supported by kind sponsors. Perhaps there are cynics protesting that these young people should be planning to support themselves in a timely fashion instead of reliance on the generous individuals who are subsidizing these institutions of Torah study. Indeed, he advances that truly it is their intense Torah study and involvement that is actually supporting the nation. Torah is the bulwark of our nation and actually protects us from external threats and dangers.
The prophet Yechezkel is referred to as the son of ‘Buzi.’ The Sages explains that it was not his father’s name rather it is an allusion to his extreme concern for the honor of Hashem and the nation. And that honor is realized through the utmost perseverance confronting any affront to the honor of Torah. He merited his position in the nation, one of the highest to be attained, on account of his commitment to defend the honor of Torah.
Once the Chofetz Chaim had to approach one of the wealthiest people in Warsaw hoping for support for the Yeshiva in Radin. As he climbed the steps to meet with this individual he recalled the words of the Sages about Yechezkel ben Buzi and davened to Hashem gaining strength from his example and stating that he also is prepared to face degradation if necessary to procure the funds for the Yeshiva’s needs. The ongoing operation of the Yeshiva certainly promoted honor to Hashem and the nation.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
The Torah state that the seven branches of the Candelabra should illuminate the ‘face’ of the Menorah. However, only six branches face the body of the Menorah. However, the Menorah really alludes to the person. The body of the Menorah refers to the person himself. The six branches reference one’s two eyes, two arms and two legs. That is an intimation to our stating at Mt. Sinai that we will listen and do as commanded by Hashem. The body of the Menorah alludes to one’s heart and eyes because as the Torah states we must have a heart to perceive and eyes to ‘see’ the truth of the Torah. The face of the Menorah is referring to Hashem to whom we are committed.
GOOD SHABB0S
