Parshat Naso
by Eli Herskovits

In this week's parsha we are presented with the concept of a Nazir. We can see that the pasuk describes the Nazir as one who is "Kadosh hu l'Hashem", holy to Hashem. It also mentions that fact that a Nazir wears the crown of Hashem on his head. What is so praiseworthy of a nazir that he should wear the crown of Hashem upon his head? Why is he so impressive?

Harav Mordecai Gifter proposes a beautiful answer to our question. Man has the option to go through life in two ways. He can act according to his whims and his compunctions or he can weigh each situation and evaluate his actions. While the former is a slave to his desires, the latter is a person who looks to G-d for guidance and strives to elevate himself by acting and living appropriately.

The Nazir is called Kadosh because he has chosen a life of seichel – he thinks before he acts. While the specific actions of abstaining from drink and not cutting one’s hair may appear to be minor, they reflect upon the individual’s conscious selection to analyze each of his actions and to perform in a manner which raises his level of kedusha. The Sforno describes his abstention from wine as a way to overcome his evil inclination. This abstention is making a statement, "I am in control of my actions". Every action being taken by the nazir is well thought out and part of a specific plan.

When a person decides to use his G-d given ability to think of how he can better serve Hashem, he is performing a holy endeavor. Hence, the Nazir is called Kadosh.

Shabbat shalom!