Nasso A Week After Shavuot: How to Reignite Our Commitment and Rebuild After Setbacks

Good morning, dear sisters.

We are now a week after Shavuot—the day we stood at Har Sinai and proclaimed “Na’aseh v’nishma,” committing ourselves to Hashem like a kallah (bride) to her chattan (groom). Just like a bride begins her marriage with full devotion and joyful optimism for the future, we too pledged our loyalty to Hashem with complete faith.

But now, a week later, we must ask ourselves: Do we still carry that clarity and passion? Or has the excitement faded? What happens when we fail to live up to our own spiritual expectations? Can we still achieve greatness even after a fall?

The answer lies in this week’s Parasha—Parashat Naso, the longest Parasha in the Torah. The length is not incidental. It teaches us that now, after the great high of Matan Torah, is the time to commit ourselves to spiritual growth and perseverance—especially in the face of challenges.

Finding Hope After Failure: Lessons from Parashat Naso

Parashat Naso begins by discussing various situations of adversity. One of them is the case of a robber who has stolen, denied it, and then regrets it. The Torah tells us that this person can still do teshuvah (repentance). He must return what he stole, add a fifth, and bring a korban (offering) to Hashem—because ultimately, the sin was not only against man but also against G-d.

The message is clear: Even when we fall, we are never beyond repair.

Another painful scenario presented in the Parasha is that of the Isha Sotah—a woman suspected of disloyalty. Her relationship has been shaken by suspicion and secrecy. And yet, even here, the Torah leaves room for hope. If she is innocent, Hashem Himself performs a miracle to clear her name, and she is blessed with a child. The Ramban notes: this teaches us that even relationships marred by deep pain can be rebuilt.

Key Takeaway: The Torah provides a clear path to teshuvah and reconciliation, emphasizing that even the most difficult situations offer opportunities for repair and renewed blessing.

Spiritual Trauma and the Power of Kabbalah

Following the story of the Sotah, the Torah introduces us to the Nazir—a person who voluntarily abstains from wine and other worldly pleasures in an effort to purify himself. What inspired this decision?

Chazal (our Sages) tell us that he saw the public downfall of the Sotah and experienced a spiritual trauma. He recognized his own vulnerability. He didn’t wait for failure—he made a commitment to rise.

This leads us to a powerful truth: There are moments in life when we feel weak, when temptation is real, when we sense ourselves drifting. At such times, we need to make a strong kabbalah (personal stringency or commitment)—to take on a personal stringency, a commitment that will anchor us.

The Torah uses the word “yafli neder”—in future tense—to teach that the Nazir’s vow was not only about the present, but about shaping a future. He was committing to change, to growth, to strength.

The Story of Shimon HaTzaddik and the True Nazir

Shimon HaTzaddik, the Kohen Gadol during the Second Beit Hamikdash, famously refused to partake in the korban of any Nazir—believing that one should live within the world and sanctify it. But once, he made an exception.

A handsome young shepherd came to bring his Nazir offering. Shimon HaTzaddik asked him, “Why did you become a Nazir? You have such beautiful hair.”

The young man answered: “One day, while shepherding near a river, I saw my reflection and began admiring myself. I felt the yetzer hara (evil inclination) growing inside me. I knew I needed to take action, so I committed on the spot to become a Nazir.”

Shimon HaTzaddik kissed him on the forehead and said, “May there be more like you in Israel.”

Why was he so impressed? Because this young man understood that spiritual strength doesn’t come from avoidance—it comes from conscious, deliberate commitment. He didn’t wait to fall. He chose to rise.

Key Takeaway: Personal growth often requires proactive spiritual commitments (kabbalot) to strengthen ourselves against temptation and build a better future.

Learn From the Nesi’im: Positivity After Failure

The Parasha concludes with the long repetition of the korbanot brought by the Nesi’im—the tribal leaders. Though they all brought the same gifts, the Torah lists each one separately. Why?

Because each Nasi brought his offering with unique kavannah (intention), rooted in the future of his tribe. And more importantly, they brought these gifts after having previously failed.

Earlier, during the building of the Mishkan, the Nesi’im had said, “Let the people give first, and we’ll fill in what’s missing.” But by then, there was nothing left to give. They had missed the opportunity.

This time, they didn’t wait. They brought their korbanot first—with heart, intention, and clarity.

Hashem valued that second effort so much that He recorded each one in full detail.

The lesson is clear: Even when we fail, Hashem treasures our renewed efforts—especially when they come from the heart.

Key Takeaway: Resilience and positive action after a setback are highly valued by Hashem. Our renewed commitment, even after past errors, can lead to profound spiritual achievement.

Practical Inspiration: How to Start Again

Whether it's the spiritual setback of a missed opportunity, the emotional fallout of temptation, or simply the post-Yom Tov slump, the Torah gives us a roadmap:

• Acknowledge the fall – like the robber who admits and repents.

• Rebuild relationships – like the Sotah whose innocence is revealed.

• Make a real kabbalah – like the Nazir who steps away from what tempts him.

• Channel failure into strength – like the Nesi’im who became proactive.

• And above all—stay positive. Hashem doesn’t expect perfection, but He cherishes sincerity, commitment, and resilience.

A Final Story: The Power of One Person’s Commitment

I heard an inspiring story recently, about a group of 20 men in America who began a Daf Yomi shiur (daily Talmud study) every morning before Shacharit (morning prayers). One man volunteered to be the gabbai (warden), taking responsibility to ensure everyone showed up and the shiur continued. No matter the weather, no matter the obstacles, he came.

After several years, someone asked him, “Why are you always the one keeping this going?”

He replied, “Because I once promised myself that even when others get tired, I’ll keep going. This shiur is my kabbalah.”

One person's commitment kept 20 men learning. That’s the power of one soul who decides: I’m going to start again.

May we all be zocheh (merit) to recognize our strength, reignite our spiritual fire after Shavuot, and rebuild our commitments with joy, hope, and courage.

Hashem values our journey—every step, every fall, every rise.