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loathing physicality, one is able to elevate himself in Avodat Hashem; a
status of which he can truly be proud.
The festival of Shavuot is similar to a wedding ceremony, the Torah being
the ketubah. Just as the new husband is obligated to support his wife as
long as she is faithful to him, Hashem promised to sustain us as long as
we are loyal to the Torah. Those who view the Torah as a burden should
consider the burden of the Levi’im. Although they were commanded to
carry the parts of the Mishkan, they did not shirk their duty, but carried it
out devotedly. The Torah describes their tasks at length, to teach us about
our personal mission in our miniature Mishkan.
When the Levi’im dismantled the Mizbeach, they would cover it while the
fire still burned on it. But none of the covers became singed. This fire still
burns, even after the churban, but it was hidden by Yirmeyahu. This fire
kindles a connection with the neshamah which burns in man’s heart.
Although at times it is concealed, it will be revealed in all its glory in the
future.
Parashat Naso is read close to Shavuot. This is to teach us about the
appropriate preparations we must make in honor of the upcoming wedding
between ourselves and Hashem – Chag Matan Torah. We prepare for this
auspicious occasion by removing the coverings of the neshamah.
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Rashi explains the connection between the parashah describing the sotah
and the parashah of the nazir in the following manner. One who witnesses
a sotah in her disgrace should abstain from wine, which has the potential
to cause immoral behavior.
The nezirut period elevates the nazir. Therefore, when it ends, he must
bring a sin-offering, in order to prevent his spiritual decline.
One can become a nazir in order to elevate himself in kedushah.Why
does Rashi make nezirut depend upon seeing a sotah in her disgrace?
The Torah commands one who witnessed the sotah’s punishment to
abstain from wine in order to bring him to participate in the pain of the
Shechinah over the abomination which had occurred.
Furthermore, one who observes a sotah in her degradation might have
become conceited, feeling that he would never stoop as low as she did.
For this reason, the Torah commands him to abstain from wine. This will
remove all thoughts of pride from his heart.
Shimon Hatzaddik kissed the nazir who defiled himself, thereby nullifying
his nezirut. He proclaimed, “May there be more like you in Yisrael.” A
nazir may feel a sense of condescension toward other people. Since the
main aspect of nezirut is submission and self-negation, one is obligated to
terminate his nezirut so that the losses do not outweigh the gains.