Parshat Vayakhel - Laziness
by Rabbi Lobel

(Exodus; Chapter 35, Verse 27) “And the Nesiim (Presidents of each tribe) donated the shoham stones and filling stones for the Eiphod and for the Choshen.” The two shoham stones were placed just below the High Priests shoulders and the twelve filling stones were placed in the Choshen – breast plate.

Rashi, on the verse, quotes Rebbe Nassan, “Why were the Nessiim first to dedicate the Tabernacle – bringing the initial offerings - but last in donating materials towards the work of the building of the Tabernacle? The Nesiim said, “Let the public contribute. Whatever is still missing we will complete.” But after all the contributions were received, there was nothing left to donate. The Nesiim realized the only items left to give were certain unique items, the shoham and fillings stones. Therefore, the Nesiim were quick to dedicate the Tabernacle first. And because the Nesiim were lazy in funding the Tabernacle a letter was removed from their name.” (Nesiim is spelled without a “Yud”)

As explained by the Sifsei Chachomim, commenting on Rashi, the Nesiim seemingly had the proper intentions; they wanted to ensure that every Jew had an opportunity to contribute before the Nesiim began to donate. Yet, their motives were influenced by laziness. The Nesiim could have surmised that the Children of Israel might donate more than needed for building the Tabernacle. Instead, they procrastinated and nearly lost their opportunity to donate anything for the Tabernacle’s construction.

A person may outwardly give the right reason for not acting immediately but that reason is often just an excuse. It was not until all was contributed did the Nesiim understand their mistake of laziness. The lure of laziness is so strong, it can overpower someone completely, to the extent of being totally unaware of his reasoning. But, just as actions have consequences, so does inaction from being lazy.