1. The Significance of Isru Chag after Shavuos
After Shavuos, when we celebrate the giving of the Torah, it is important not to let the inspiration fade. The commemorative events and celebrations should continue throughout the year, rather than ending abruptly with the holiday itself. This is why it is fitting to continue our Torah study even on the day after Shavuos, rather than taking a break. Today is known as Isru Chag—the binding of the festival—which follows every Yom Tov. Based on a verse, this day is marked by special meals and celebrations, especially after Shavuos. The three pilgrimage festivals—Pesach, Sukkos, and Shavuos—each required Jews to visit the Beis HaMikdash in Jerusalem and bring offerings. However, while Pesach and Sukkos are each seven days long, Shavuos is only one day (or two in the diaspora). This limited time made it difficult to bring all the required sacrifices during Shavuos itself. According to some opinions, such as Beis Shammai, certain sacrifices could not be brought on Yom Tov and had to wait until after. Thus, the day after Shavuos became known as Yom Tovuach—a special day for bringing offerings. In fact, for seven days following Shavuos we do not say Tachanun, commemorating this extension of the holiday.2. The Priestly Blessing: Meaning and Structure
In this week’s parsha, Naso, we encounter many topics, but a central one is blessings—specifically, the priestly blessing (Birkas Kohanim). Hashem instructs Aaron and his sons: “So shall you bless the children of Israel.” The verses are: “Yevarechecha Hashem ve’yishmirecha—May Hashem bless you and protect you,” “Ya’eir Hashem panav eilecha vi’chuneka—May Hashem shine His face upon you and be gracious to you,” “Yisa Hashem panav eilecha v’yasem lecha shalom—May Hashem lift His face toward you and grant you peace.” This blessing is recited on Yom Kippur and other occasions. But what does it truly mean? A blessing isn’t just a well-wish; it’s an attempt to draw down goodness from above. When someone gives a blessing—whether a Kohen or anyone else—they open a channel for Hashem’s blessings to reach another person.3. Rashi’s Interpretation: Blessings on What You Already Have
Examining Rashi’s commentary on these verses reveals deeper meaning. While one might think “Yevarechecha Hashem” means all-encompassing blessings for whatever your heart desires, Rashi specifies: “She’yisbarchu nechasecha”—that your belongings should be blessed. Why does Rashi focus specifically on assets rather than general blessings? The Rebbe explains that this isn’t about acquiring new things but about increasing what you already possess. In other places in Torah—such as Bechukosai or Ki Savo—the Torah lists many blessings for those who follow Hashem’s statutes. So what makes the priestly blessing unique? It ensures that what you already have will multiply or bring satisfaction—for example, eating little yet feeling satisfied. Spiritually, this means being thankful and appreciative of your blessings so that they truly benefit you emotionally and materially. It’s not just about having more but about experiencing true satisfaction from what you already possess.4. Protection in Blessings: Material vs. Spiritual Security
The next phrase in the blessing is “Ve’yishmirecha”—may He protect you.” One might assume this refers broadly to safety or health, especially given today’s concerns about personal security worldwide. However, Rashi interprets it more narrowly: protection from robbers or bandits who might take away your wealth. Rashi uses a metaphor: When a master gives his servant a gift, he cannot guarantee its safety from others who might steal it. If stolen, the gift loses its value for the recipient. But when Hashem blesses someone with assets (yevarechecha) He also provides protection (ve’yishmirecha) so that these gifts remain intact. The Rebbe notes that if protection meant safeguarding life itself, it would precede material blessings in order of importance. Instead, since protection follows material blessing in these verses, Rashi concludes it refers specifically to safeguarding one’s assets from loss or harm. There are real-world examples where excessive wealth brings danger or trouble rather than benefit—sometimes even becoming detrimental (“a fortune kept for its owner’s harm”). Studies show that sudden wealth can lead to unhappiness or worse outcomes if not handled properly. Thus, Hashem’s blessing includes both increase and preservation: He grants abundance and ensures it remains beneficial rather than harmful.5. Stories Illustrating Divine Protection: Mezuzah and Onkelos
A story from the Talmud illustrates this idea through the mitzvah of mezuzah. A king once sent a precious gift to a rabbi who responded by sending back a mezuzah. The king was initially insulted until the rabbi explained: “You sent me something I must guard; I sent you something that guards you.” The mezuzah serves as divine protection for those inside. Another story involves Onkelos, famous for his Aramaic translation/commentary on Chumash (often cited by Rashi). After converting to Judaism despite being related to Roman royalty (a nephew of Titus), Onkelos was pursued by Roman soldiers sent by Caesar himself. Onkelos engaged each group of soldiers with wisdom rooted in Torah values: - To one group he explained how God led Israel with pillars of cloud and fire in the desert. - To another he pointed out how God protects His servants from outside (as opposed to earthly kings guarded by their servants). Each group was so moved they converted instead of arresting him! Eventually Caesar gave up pursuing him altogether. These stories highlight how spiritual practices like mezuzah offer real protection beyond physical means.6. The Importance of Studying Onkelos alongside Chumash and Rashi
When studying Chumash with Rashi's commentary each week, it's also customary to review Onkelos’ translation at least once per portion (Targum Unkelus). Although written in Aramaic (which can be challenging), repeated study makes it accessible since its language closely parallels Hebrew. Onkelos often clarifies difficult words or concepts when consulted alongside Rashi's explanations. He was also a student of Rabbi Akiva—a connection which further emphasizes his stature among our sages.7. Rabbi Akiva: Devotion to Torah Despite Hardship
Rabbi Akiva stands as an example of extraordinary devotion to Torah learning regardless of background or age—he began studying at forty! Inspired by seeing water wear away stone drop by drop, he realized persistent effort could help him master Torah too. His wife Rachel sacrificed greatly so he could study undisturbed for years despite her wealthy father disapproving at first (even disinheriting her). Eventually Rabbi Akiva returned as a renowned sage with 24,000 students—a testament both to his perseverance and her support. Rabbi Akiva taught that loving God “with all your soul” means remaining devoted even if one's life is demanded for faithfulness (Kiddush Hashem). During Roman persecution when teaching Torah was forbidden under penalty of death, Rabbi Akiva continued undeterred despite warnings from his brother-in-law. He illustrated his resolve with a parable: Just as fish cannot survive outside water despite dangers within it (fishermen's nets), Jews cannot survive without Torah even amidst threats against them (Kee hayeinu ve’orech yameinu hu—It is our life and length of days.) To abandon Torah would be spiritual death itself. Ultimately arrested for teaching Torah publicly, Rabbi Akiva suffered martyrdom while reciting Shema Yisrael with unwavering faith—fulfilling his lifelong aspiration to love God even unto death.8. Faith Amid Suffering: Holocaust Survivors’ Resilience
The Jewish people have endured unimaginable suffering throughout history—from ancient persecutions through tragedies like the Holocaust—yet have maintained steadfast faith in Hashem despite everything lost or endured. A story is told about someone who lost everything—family, wealth—and still declared unwavering belief in God no matter what trials befell him: “God, whatever You do won’t make me stop believing.” This resilience echoes through generations including Holocaust survivors like my own family members whose yahrzeit approaches now—Aryeh Leib ben Yeshua Chona—who survived horrors yet remained connected to faith without bitterness or rejection of God. This stubbornness (Ami kshei oref—stiff-necked people) has enabled us as Jews—and as individuals—to persevere against overwhelming odds throughout history up until today in Israel facing myriad enemies yet standing strong together under Hashem’s protection. May their memory be for a blessing and may they beseech Hashem on behalf of their descendants for health, happiness, success,shalom bayis—peace in our homes—and only good things for all.