rabbi's message
BS”D
I want to share with you an insight of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l on this week’s parsha. I believe it is particularly meaningful in light of the fact that we have just finished commemorating and celebrating the receiving of Torah on Shavuos.
Have a great Shabbos.
"Take the sum of the sons of Gershon, also them." (4:22)
Many commentators are perplexed by the superfluous words "also them." It would seem that an important lesson might be derived here. In order to achieve one's true potential in life, one should not underestimate his own abilities and become discouraged. Very often, people do not "rise to the occasion" due to a lack of self-confidence and to low self-esteem. Unfortunately, this likewise applies to the observance of mitzvahs and Torah study. One might say, since I will not be a great scholar, why go through the effort if the goal is unattainable? Similarly, many who are approached to contribute to a worthy cause reply that their donation is unnecessary since it is not a substantial sum. The Torah teaches us that we are judged according to our efforts, and not solely by the attainment of our goals. Moshe and Aharon were considered equal despite Moshe's apparent superiority, because they equally tried to the best of their abilities to fulfill the will of G-d. This concept is further illustrated by the description of the jobs of the Bnei Kehas and Bnei Gershon. The Bnei Kehas carried the Holy Ark and the other holy vessels, while the Bnei Gershon only carried boards. However, they were equally important and prominent in the eyes of G-d, because each carried out his task with the same vibrancy and enthusiasm as the other, both using their abilities to their utmost.