Page 57 - VAIKRA

vaikra

Rabbi Elazar responded to his wife’s hesitation that he accept the position
of Nasi that it would be worthwhile for him to become Nasi,evenif he
“Hashem called to Moshe, and spoke to him would retain this position only for one day. Did he seek leadership for 2
from the Tent of Meeting saying…” self-gratification, wanting this position only for his personal enjoyment?

(Vayikra 1:1)
We can resolve this question by analyzing the reason for the small letter
in the word This indicates Moshe’s great humility. He thought
that Hashem was calling to a different person named “Moshe.” The word
spelled backwards is (wonder). This implies that Moshe
Rabbeinu wondered why Hashem accorded him such honor and called
specifically to him. In addition, we can explain that word is from
the root word (coincidence), implying that in his great humility,
Moshe Rabbeinu requested that Hashem appear to him coincidentally as
He appeared to the rasha, Bilaam.

It states, “ – When a person from among you will
bring.” This can be read as, “When a person will sacrifice himself for your
sake,” implying that the Nasi had to be prepared to sacrifice himself for
the Jewish people. Likewise, the Nasi had to be willing to serve as
atonement for Am Yisrael.

The Nasi and leader of the Jewish people had to embody the two virtues
of humility and submission. These traits were evident in Moshe Rabbeinu,
Shaul Hamelech, and David Hamelech. Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah wanted
to be appointed Nasi in order to acquire these two virtues. Since he was
comparatively young, he consulted with his wife as to whether he should
accept the appointment. Despite her reservations, Rabbi Elazar decided
that it was worthwhile for him to serve as a Nasi even if it would be for
one day only, because he would then merit the acquisition of these
important virtues. Even if he would be removed from his position, the two
virtues of humility and submission would remain his forever.
Chazal explain that Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel asked Rabbi Yishmael
what was the reason for their death sentence. After he scrutinized all his
past deeds, he concluded that it was because he once made a woman wait

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