Man Plans And God Laughs - Nasso

Earlier this week, while I was at work, I started planning a glorious Dvar Torah for this weekend. When it was time to put my ideas on paper, I forgot everything. The story or point I wanted to share did not align with the Parsha, and then the lesson made no sense. I am no stranger to this experience, but it does not make this occurrence less frustrating. I have learned that getting frustrated does not change the situation. Success does not come because I desire to do something but through toil and action.

Over the last three days, while I wracked my brain to find something of value to share, I came across something fascinating. In this week’s Parsha, we read about the idea of a Nazir. A Nazir is someone who takes upon themselves a vow to live a strict lifestyle. They do so by not drinking wine, cutting their hair, or coming in close contact with the dead. Famously, a man named Shimshon was a Nazir. Before Shimshon was born, his mother promised God that if she had a baby, then her baby would be a Nazir. This challenge of being a nazir gave him great physical strength, which he used to protect the Jewish people and awarded him a special connection with Hashem. I read that Shimshon did not have strong legs, but when it was time for him to be strong, he went into battle with complete faith that Hashem would give him the strength to carry out his mission.

Many people find developing a connection to Hashem, being motivated to learn, or sitting down to write after a long work day challenging. Regardless of the challenge, I hope you will join me in the coming weeks to add one small action towards overcoming our obstacles. Whether we do this by adding a challenging mitzvah, saying one more prayer, or writing for an additional minute. Hashem will see our efforts, help us destroy all our obstacles, and bring Moshiach.

Good Shabbos

All the best

Avroham Y Ross