(2011/5771)

In this week’s Parashah, Parashat Naso, Hashem gives another blessing to Bnei Yisrael, this time through Aharon and the Kohanim. Hashem tells the Kohanim to bless Bnai Yisrael with the blessing, “Yevarechecha Hashem VeYishmerecha,” “May God bless you and guard you” (BeMidbar 6:24). Rashi expands on the meaning of this Berachah, explaining that “Yevarechecha” means that your possessions will be blessed. “VeYishmerecha” should be taken to mean that robbers will not attack you and steal your possessions. Rashi then brings an analogy to further prove his point: a person gives his servant a gift, but the master cannot always guard his gift from other people; if bandits come and steal the item, then what is the point of the gift? However, regarding Bnei Yisrael, God is the giver, and is therefore able to protect his servant’s possessions from harm.

Rashi’s explanation poses several difficulties. First of all, why does Rashi limit this blessing specifically to possessions, and not expand it to include the guarding of someone’s life, a much more precious item? Secondly, from where does Rashi learn that when the Pasuk’s statement “VeYishmerecha” concerns a case in which bandits will try to steal one’s money? Lastly, what is the purpose of the analogy about a person who gives his servant a gift?

There is a simple explanation for why Rashi chose understood this Beracha in such a specific case: In Parashat BeChukotai, and later in Parashat Ki Tavo, Hashem promises Bnei Yisrael virtually every possible blessing imaginable; what other blessings could Hashem possibly add here? Therefore, Rashi concludes that the blessing in this Parashah was to reassure the Jewish People that the blessings they received earlier will flourish and grow. The Berachot in BeChukotai promise a person that he will receive many possessions. Here, Hashem promises a person that not only will he have ample possessions, but his possessions will also be blessed and grow.

Now, we turn to Rashi’s second point. How can he say that guarding possessions is a more valuable blessing than the Peshat interpretation, guarding one’s life? Rashi must understand that the Torah is continuing the same blessing from the beginning of the Pasuk, strictly regarding a person’s possessions. Rashi then concludes with an analogy to show Hashem’s superior Shemirah. Unlike a regular gift from master to servant, which is guarded only to the extent man can do, God will protect His gift to Bnei Yisrael in a supernatural manner. The implication of this Berachah is comforting: if Hashem guards the possessions of Bnei Yisrael in such a manner, all the more so He shall guard Bnei Yisrael and protect them from harm.