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Parshat Nasso describes the procession of the leaders of each of the twelve tribes who brought their offerings for the inauguration of the Altar, as the Torah states: “All the livestock for the sacrifice of the peace-offering: twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty he-goats, sixty sheep in their first year – this was the inauguration of the Altar after it was anointed” (Bamidbar 7:88). The timing of these offerings seems unusual—they were not brought immediately during the anointing of the Altar, but only afterward. Why the delay?
Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Kotzk explains that the offerings were brought after the anointing to teach a profound lesson about Avodat Hashem, the service of God. The anointing symbolizes a spiritual elevation, a moment of closeness to God. However, the Kotzker Rebbe emphasizes that even after such spiritual achievements, we must recognize that there is always more to accomplish. He says, “One must always look forward and never rest on one’s laurels. In a sense, one must forget yesterday’s anointing, in order to prepare for tomorrow’s spiritual tests.” (Talelei Orot, Parshat Nasso, p. 53). This teaches that spiritual achievements should not lead to complacency. The anointing marked an important moment, but it was just the beginning of the Jewish people’s ongoing service to God. Similarly, in our own lives, we must not rest on past successes but continue striving for new spiritual growth.
The delay in the offerings highlights this principle: after reaching a spiritual milestone (symbolized by the anointing), the next step is to rededicate oneself to growth (symbolized by the offerings). Each accomplishment should fuel the next stage of our journey, reminding us that the service of God is a continuous process.
This idea is echoed in the Midrash Tanchuma, which teaches: “Each day [the words of Torah] should be entirely new in your eyes.” (Parshat Eikev). We must approach every mitzvah and act of Torah study as if they were new each day, avoiding the trap of routine and habitual practice. Each new day is an opportunity to engage with the Divine with fresh excitement and devotion. The Kotzker Rebbe further emphasizes: “Though one served God the previous day, the previous week and also over the previous years, today and tomorrow are new opportunities.” (Talelei Orot, Parshat Nasso, p. 53). Each day presents a chance to serve God with renewed passion, whether in Torah study, prayer, or any act of kindness.
The timing of the offerings after the Altar’s anointing teaches us that we must not rest on past spiritual achievements. Instead, we must continuously strive to renew our commitment to serving God, recognizing that each day brings fresh opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper connection with the Divine.
Shabbat Shalom!
-Rabbi Dan
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