The old shul had burned down. The Shabbos after the fire the Rabbi appealed to the community for help to build a new shul. Motzie Shabbos everyone lined up to lend a hand in rebuilding. Some of the congregation pledged money, some pledged their time. The only person that did not make a pledge was Reb Avner Moskowitz, the richest man in town.
When the rebuilding was under way the Rabbi approached Reb Avner and asked, “Is everything all right? I don’t see your name on the list of contributors…”
Reb Avner answered, “Everything’s fine Rabbi, thank you for asking. I know what it means to take on a project of this magnitude. Inevitably, a project of this size will get stalled for lack of funding. But don’t worry, I told my accountant that when the community runs out of money I will underwrite whatever it takes to complete the building.”
To everyone’s surprise, the shul was completed by the High Holidays. Reb Avner approached the Rabbi, “I am ready to make my contribution now.”
“As you see,” the Rabbi answered, “we have completed rebuilding the shul without your help. We don’t need your contribution now.”
Reb Abvner was crushed. “Is there anything I can donate?” The Rabbi thought for a moment. “Perhaps you can contribute oil for the nair tamid.”
Reb Abner realized that he had missed his chance to be part of the mitzvah and vowed to respond immediately the next time the tzibbur needed help.
In this week’s parsha Moshe Rabbainu appeals to the nation for help to build the Mishkan. Everyone contributed immediately except the leaders (נשיאם). When the Mishkan was ready, “The leaders brought the shoham stones…” (35:27). Normally, the Hebrew word for leaders, Nesi’im, is written נשיאם. However, in this pasuk their title is without a ‘yud’. This is Hashem’s way of rebuking them for not participating in the work of the tzibur. In fact, the leaders said that they would bring whatever klal Yisrael did not bring. But in the end of the construction all that was needed were the avnei shoham, that was all that was not brought because no one had them and they had to come with the mana (this was discussed in the davar Torah on Parshas Teruma). The fact that they did not contribute immediately was held against them.
Leaders lead. As leaders Nesi'im have an obligation to be the best role models possible. Their behavior is magnified for us to learn from. By delaying their contribution it could be mistaken for showing a lack of importance concerning the task requested. Sometimes through procrastinating a person ends up in a situation that is only permitted b'dieved. In turn a person gets into the habit of being lax and and tests the limits of a b'dieved lifestyle. This sets a poor example for others to learn from. Our job as parents, teachers and leaders is to approach the tasks that Hashem with an excitement that inspires others. Lead by leading and not from behind!
If you would like to dedicate a Davar Torah in honor of a special occasion or in memory of a beloved family member please contact Yisroel Simon at yisroel@judaism613.com.
Good Shabbos,R’ Channenjudaism613.org