** Please consider joining DailyGiving.org - donate $1 a day and make a huge difference for so many deserving charities! ** This short, practical Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and Android). I hope you enjoy this Dvar... _______________________________________________ Among many other topics, Parshat Naso discusses the concept of one setting himself apart from society as a Nazir. The self-imposed restrictions include wine, shaving or cutting hair, as well as having any contact with dead bodies. The purpose of the Nazir seem to be purity and self-denial, commendable goals for anyone to achieve. Yet when the Nazir is done serving his term, he must bring a Chatat, or sin-offering (6:16). Why would becoming a Nazir be considered a sin? Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explains that while self-denial may have positive results and is praiseworthy (Chassidut), it is by nature a self-indulgent practice, thus requiring repentance once complete. For example, a Nazir/saint may give away all their money to charity, which would help others but may hurt his family. The Rambam explains that the proper approach is avoid extreme denial and enjoy the pleasures granted and made available to us by G-d. However, enjoying all that our world has to offer requires a balance of societal obligations, as well as recognizing and honoring our responsibilities to our families, community and country. _______________________________________ Quotation of the week: “Life is not happening to you. Life is responding to you."