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THE WEEKLY SIDRA- PINCHAS
Rabbi Moshe Greebel
Certainly, one of the most interesting aspects of studying the texts Kol Eliyahu and Divrei Eliyahu, by the celebrated Vilna Gaon (Rabbeinu Eliyahu Kramer 1720- 1797) of blessed memory, is that the Gra (Gaon Rabbeinu Eliyahu) was quite capable of discovering incredible hidden codes in P’sukim (Biblical verses), where we would have taken these very same P’sukim for granted, not giving them a second glance. The Gra undoubtedly had the gift of looking at things in a very unique perspective, unimaginable to others, as exampled in this week’s Sidra, which deals with the Korbanei Mussaf (additional offerings) of Yom Tov (festivals) in the time of the Bais HaMikdash.
When it comes to the Korbanei Mussaf of the seven days of Sukkos, a total of seventy bulls was offered in descending order. That is, 13 the first day, 12 the second day, 11 the third day, 10 the fourth day, and so on. The significance of this total of seventy bulls, is discussed in the Gemarah in Sukka 55b:
“Rabbi Elazar stated, ‘To what do those seventy correspond? To the seventy nations.’”
Rashi explains this as:
“The Parei HaChag (bullocks of Sukkos) are seventy, except for the eighth day (Sh’mini Atzeres), and are symbolic of the seventy nations (languages) of the world, to atone for them, whereby rain descends in the entire world, for on the Chag (Sukkos) we are judged for water.”
In addition to the bulls of each day, a goat for a Chatas (sin offering), was also offered up each of the seven days. On the first day (13 bulls), we see:
“And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and its drink offering.” (Bamidbar 29:16)
On the second day (12 bulls), we see the same:
“And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and its meal offering, and their drink offerings.” (ibid. 29:19)
The language of ‘S’ir Izim’ (kid of the goats) repeats. But, when we look at the third day (11 bulls), we are confronted with:
“And one kid for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and its meal offering, and its drink offering.” (ibid. 29:22)
In this Passuk (verse), we are only given a ‘S’ir’ (kid), not a ‘S’ir Izim’ (kid of the goats). Yet, on the fourth day (10 bulls), the Torah reverts back to its original language of ‘S’ir Izim’:
“And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and its drink offering.” (ibid. 29:25)
But, on the next three days (9, 8, 7 bulls), the Torah returns to the simplified form of ‘S’ir’:
“And one kid for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and its meal offering, and its drink offering.” (ibid. 29:28)
“And one kid for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and its drink offering.” (ibid. 29:31)
“And one kid for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, its meal offering, and its drink offering.” (ibid. 29:34)
Had these oddly phrased P’sukim not have just been brought up, how many of us would have even taken notice of the alternating languages of ‘S’ir Izim’ and ‘S’ir’? The Gra however, mathematically calculated the exact meaning of this language in the Torah, in the following manner.
From the Zohar HaKadosh (regrettably, the Gra did not supply a source), it is seen that these seventy nations are primarily Yishmael and Aisav, from whom the other 68 nations are nourished. And, again from the Zohar and from other Sifrei M’kubalim (texts of those who engage in the hidden Torah- source also not given), we see that the expression ‘S’ir Izim’ refers to Yishmael, and the expression ‘S’ir’ refers to Aisav.
This being so, taught the Gra, on the seven days of Sukkos, there would have to have been 35 bulls offered for Yishmael, and an equal 35 bulls offered for Aisav, totaling seventy.
Now then, continued the Gra, on the first day, when 13 bulls were offered, the Torah states ‘S’ir Izim’, referring to Yishmael. On the second day, when 12 bulls were offered, the Torah repeats ‘S’ir Izim’ (Yishmael again), now totaling 25 bulls for Yishmael. However, since 11 bulls were offered on the third day, that day could not have been designated for Yishmael, for Yishmael would then have had 36 bulls, one too many.
Instead, the third day (11 bulls) has stated in it simply ‘S’ir’ for Aisav. And, on the fourth day, when 10 bulls were offered, which made 35 in total for Yishmael, the Torah returns to the language of ‘S’ir Izim.’ Basically, Yishmael has his 35 bulls listed this way:
1st Day- 13 bulls
2nd Day- 12 bulls
4th Day- 10 bulls
35 bulls
While Aisav has his 35 listed in this manner:
3rd Day- 11 bulls
5th Day- 9 bulls
6th Day- 8 bulls
7th Day- 7 bulls
35 bulls
And, that is how the Gra brilliantly explained the significance of the alternating languages of ‘S’ir Izim’ and ‘S’ir,’ in the uniquely inspired style, so often associated with him. How inconceivably clever the Gra must have been, and how immeasurable is his influence still today, upon those who study his thoughts. It is the Gra, who so repeatedly has unlocked the very mysteries of the Torah for us.
May we soon see the G’ulah Sh’laimah in its complete resplendency- and in our times. Good Shabbos.
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