In this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, we are given the commandment to appoint a king: “You should surely appoint over yourself a king (melech).” While in our verse the word “melech” is used for “king,” the Torah does sometimes use the word “nassi” for king. (At other times “nassi” means “head of a tribe.”)
What are the differences between a melech and a nassi? The differences are similar to those of the brain and the heart.
A king’s job is to take care of the needs of the nation, just as the heart serves all of the organs in the entire body.
The nassi is the head of the Jewish people, the brain. The nassi’s job is to be an impartial arbiter of Torah law, he directs the entire nation in G-d’s ways, just as the brain directs the entire body. The brain, however, also has a function of its own— to think and impartially scrutinize ideas. Yet, it is “nourished” by the heart, just like all other organs.
However, two kings of Israel had both titles, nassi and melech. The first was Moses, our first redeemer. He was a king, as it says, “And there was a king in Yeshurun (Israel),” which refers to Moses. He took care of the Jewish nation in the desert, just as a king was meant to. He was also the nassi, head of the Sanhedrin, the primary teacher of Torah to the Jewish people.
The second will be Moshiach, who will be our king and nassi, he will teach us new insights in Torah that will take us to spiritual heights, beyond anything we could imagine.
In Jewish mystical teachings, the cognitive abilities are connected to the brain and the emotions are connected to the heart.
The brain is above the body, it is not intermingled with the organs of the body. This is because, to be impartial when thinking, you need to be separate or above feelings, if you want to come to a true conclusion. Because your feelings will skew your thinking. The same is true about a nassi, he is above the nation, he needs to be able to determine the true Torah law, and he can’t let his feelings get in the way.
On the other hand, the heart is inside the body, among other organs, because emotions are connected to your feelings. The same is true about a king, he needs to be among the nation, he needs to be able to feel for them, so he can properly serve them.
Each of us is king and nassi over ourselves. It is very important to know when to be a nassi and when to be a king. When you are studying Torah or you have a question in Jewish law, you need to be the nassi, to follow what is true and right. But when it comes to your welfare and the welfare of your family and friends, you need to be the king. You need to feel for them, and provide for them accordingly. Of course within the parameters of Torah.
May our efforts to lead lives guided by Torah hasten the coming of Moshiach, who will be our king and our nassi!
Adapted by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz from the teachings of the Rebbe, yitzihurwitz.blogspot.com. Rabbi Hurwitz, who is battling ALS, and his wife Dina, are emissaries of the Rebbe in Temecula, Ca.
