Tuesday’s D’var Torah
> Parshas Naso
A nazir is a person who takes a vow to abstain from wine and other physical pleasures for 30 days or more, in order to remove earthly distractions and dedicate himself solely to serving Hashem. At the end of his term of nazirus he goes to the Bais Hamikdash where the kohain performs a service that terminates his nazirus. The Torah says at this point “V’achar yishteh hanazir yayin” (and afterwards the nazir drinks wine). The fact that he is drinking wine shows that he is no longer a nazir. Why, at this point, does the Torah still refer to him as a nazir? (and afterwards the NAZIR drinks wine). He is no longer a nazir. He just ended his nazirus. It should say, “and afterwards the PERSON drinks wine.” The Torah does this to teach us that even though his official nazirus is over, he should still maintain the high spiritual level he has acheived. He should use the inspiration and enthusaism to springboard him to greater heights. David Hamelech said, “Shivti b’vais Hashem kol yimei chayai” “May I sit in the house of Hashem all the days of my life.” How can one be in Hashem’s house all day every day? It is not possible. The answer is that even when you leave, you should take the lesson’s of Hashem’s house with you 24/7. The Vilna Gaon was an amazingly dedicated scholar who sat in his study, day and night, engrossed in Torah. He once asked the Dubner Maggid to give him constructive criticism. The Dubner Maggid said, “Anyone could be a gaon if they sat isolated in a room all day. To acheive your full greatness, you must use your Torah and be involved in the community at large.”
Have a great day all!