“Nasi” – The Offerings of the Tribal Princes of Israel
One year after the Exodus, on the first of Nissan, the dedication of the portable Sanctuary began. The dedication lasted twelve days, during which offerings were brought daily to the Mishkan, delivered by the prince of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
In memory of this, it is customary during the days of the month of Nissan preceding Pesach to read daily the passage from the Torah describing the offerings of the prince of a different tribe.
Our website provides the text of the prayers from the Siddur “Tehillat Hashem” published by “F.R.E.E. Publishing House.”
11 of Nissan
We know a great deal about the Tribe of Asher, for the 11th of Nissan marks the Rebbe’s birthday. When speaking of the spiritual service of the Tribe of Asher, the Rebbe often spoke of himself and of the tasks he had set for himself. “He dips his foot in olive oil (a symbol of supreme wisdom)”—so it is said of the Tribe of Asher. Infusing action—the lowest rung of our spiritual practice, to which the “foot” alludes—with spiritual intensity and meaning (“oil”) is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, one must never neglect even the simplest deed if it increases goodness and holiness. On the other, one must never lose sight of true spiritual standards, however incongruous they may seem. The Rebbe clearly succeeded in doing this. In his view, this lies within our power as well.
