In the portion describing the contributions to the Mishkan, the Torah tells us that the leaders of the tribes, the Nesiim, brought the precious stones for the Ephod and the Choshen of the Kohen Gadol. At first glance, this appears to be a very distinguished contribution. However, our Sages point out that there is something unusual in the way the Torah records their participation.
Rashi notes that in the verse describing the leaders, the word Nesiim is written without the letter yud—נשיאם instead of the usual spelling נשיאים. Rashi explains that the missing letter hints to a deficiency. The leaders were somewhat “tardy” in bringing their contributions.
What happened?
When Moshe announced that the Jewish people should bring donations for the Mishkan, the leaders made a calculation. They said that the people should first bring whatever they wished. After the community completed their contributions, the leaders would supply whatever items were still lacking. In this way they believed they could ensure that nothing would be missing.
However, the Jewish people responded with extraordinary enthusiasm. The men and women brought gold, silver, copper, wool, skins, wood, and many other materials. The generosity was so great that the craftsmen eventually had to announce that the people should stop bringing more donations because there was already more than enough.
By the time the leaders came forward, almost everything had already been provided. Only a few items remained—the precious stones for the Ephod and the Choshen. Although these were very important items, the Torah still hints that the leaders had missed something.
Their intention may have been reasonable, but in matters of holiness the Torah expects zerizus—eagerness and immediacy. When a mitzvah presents itself, one should not delay. Waiting, even with a logical plan, can reflect a lack of urgency for the opportunity to serve Hashem.
The leaders recognized this lesson. We see this clearly later in the Torah, when the altar was inaugurated during the dedication of the Mishkan. At that time the Nesiim did not wait. Instead, they were the very first to bring offerings. Each leader brought his korban immediately and with great enthusiasm, demonstrating that they had learned from the earlier experience.
This teaches an important lesson for every generation. In matters of holiness—whether giving tzedakah, participating in a mitzvah, or helping build something for the sake of Torah and Yiddishkeit—we should not say, “Let others do it first and I will help later.” Rather, we should approach the opportunity with eagerness and joy, grateful that we have the privilege to participate.
Summary
The leaders of Israel delayed bringing their contributions to the Mishkan, intending to provide whatever the people might lack. Because the people gave so generously, very little remained, and the Torah hints to their delay by spelling Nesiim without a yud. From this they learned the importance of zerizus—acting quickly and eagerly in mitzvot. Later, at the dedication of the Mizbeach, they corrected their mistake by being the first to bring their offerings.