During Chanuka we read the Torah portion of the Nesi’im’s offerings at the dedication of the Mishkan. The Tribe of Yehuda comes first, as they represent Kingship, and Yissachar, those dedicated to learning Torah, come next. The third day was the Nasi of Zevulun, Eliav ben Chailon. They merited prime placement because they provided for Yissachar and enabled them to learn Torah.
(The name Eliav represents that they “fathered” Yissachar’s Torah.)
In fact, in V’zos HaBracha, Moshe puts Zevulun first for this reason. But if so, why didn’t the Nasi of Zevulun go first at the Chanukas HaMishkan?
Zevulun’s merit was his recognition of the primacy of Torah. Having Yissachar go first honors Zevulun’s approach. More than this, this tribe did something unique. By working to support Yissachar, Zevulun turned the physical into the spiritual!
Every journey they took at sea and every business deal was a spiritual endeavor taken for the greatness and glory of Torah.
The Chashmonaim recognized that the Hellenists wanted us to trade our ruchnius for gashmius. They rebelled because it’s the antithesis of what we stand for. We are all Zevuluns.
Every day, we have the ability to take the mundane, dedicate it, and make it holy. By doing so, we prove we are an “enlightened” nation.
Thought of the week:
Any lesson you refuse to learn will often repeat until you do.
