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Parsha Ponderings – Pinchas

Hiding amongst the seasonal korban offerings enumerated in Parshas Pinchos, lies the water-offering known as nisuch hamayim, or the water-pouring, brought annually on the festival of Sukkos. Chazal derive this unique offering from three extra letters in the Torah spread out between the passages discussing the various offerings brought on each day of Sukkos respectively. The passage discussing the second day of Sukkos contains an extra mem, the sixth day an extra yud, and the seventh an extra mem, spelling out the word mayim, or water. Although the water-offering’s source seems quite inconspicuous, the actual execution of this mitzvah was celebrated with unparalleled fanfare. The Gemara tells us that the celebration surrounding nisuch hamayim was the pinnacle of festivities in the Temple, an expression of religious exuberance unmatched on any other occasion. “He who did not observe the joyous celebration of Bais Hashoeva [the name given to the nisuch hamayim celebration],” says the Talmud, “has never observed true joy in his life”.

What was it about this simple water-offering which warranted such celebration and engendered such excitement? It would seem far more appropriate to save our joy for a more respectable offering than one consisting of water. In fact, one would think it almost shameful to celebrate the bringing of such a measly offering. Why the celebration?

Rav Moshe Feinstein explains that the greatest joy for a Jew is the realization that he can serve God with the simplest of things. What makes a Jew’s relationship with his Maker so unique and special, is the fact that it is of a nature which encompasses all aspects of his life. When a Jew drinks water, God is there with him. When a Jew breathes, God is at his side. When a Jew eats, he can be serving God. Nothing can bring this intimate relationship to light better than the image of nisuch hamayim, the water offering: The Temple stands in all its grandeur. The High Priest walks resplendent in his golden garments, surrounded by priests decked out in immaculate white uniform. The Levites play solemnly on their ornate instruments… And in walks the yiddele, the exalted Jewish nation…. with a jug filled with… water! What greater illustration can there be of God’s all-encompassing love for the Jew than bringing the simplest of commodities into the Temple and serving God with it! How different than the cold, forbidding relationship that other religions share with their austere God! At that very moment, the Jewish heart, overflowing with unbridled joy, breaks into song and dance, overwhelmed by the relationship he shares with his God; a relationship in which he can interact with his Maker through the simplest of mediums, no experience being too insignificant to share with Him.

Perhaps the reason why the Torah “hides” the source of this special Mitzvah is precisely to bring out this message:

If you look hard enough, you can find Me anywhere, even in a simple jug of water!

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