And it seems even the leaders of ancient Israel weren't immune.
We find a fascinating story in Bamidbar Rabbah 12, a section of the great collection of Midrashic teachings on the Book of Numbers. It revolves around the dedication of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, that portable sanctuary built in the wilderness. The passage focuses on the leaders – the nesiim, the princes of Israel – and their somewhat complicated relationship with contributing to this sacred project.
The verse from Numbers 7:2 sets the scene: “The princes of Israel, the heads of their patrilineal houses, brought offerings; they were the princes of the tribes, they were those who stood over those who were counted.” So, why does the Midrash ask, did these princes rush to be first when it came to offering sacrifices, but were so slow to contribute to the actual building of the Tabernacle?
Here’s the backstory: When Moses asked for contributions for the Tabernacle, he addressed the call to everyone, saying "Anyone who is generous of heart shall bring the gift of the Lord for the labor of the Tabernacle." But he didn't single out the princes! The princes, feeling a bit slighted, decided to take a “wait and see” approach. “Let the people bring what they will bring,” they figured, “and we will complete what is lacking.”
But here's where it gets interesting. The people responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. The Torah tells us, "The men came together with the women" (Exodus 35:22), so eager to give that they practically tripped over each other! In just two mornings, they brought so many donations that Moses had to announce, "Man or woman shall not perform any more labor for the gifts of the Sanctuary, and the people ceased bringing" (Exodus 36:6). The people had brought more than enough!
Imagine the princes’ dismay! They missed out on the mitzvah, the good deed, of contributing to the Tabernacle itself. According to Bamidbar Rabbah, they lamented their inaction. So, what did they do? They decided to donate the precious stones for the High Priest's vestments, as we see in Exodus 35:27: "The princes brought the onyx stones [and the stones for setting for the ephod and for the breastplate]."
But God, as the Midrash tells us, noticed their initial hesitancy. Because the people were so quick and generous, it was written that they brought more than enough. But for the princes, who were initially indolent, a letter was even removed from the spelling of their title, hanesiim, as a subtle mark of their hesitation.
Once the Tabernacle was complete, the princes were quick to bring their offerings. “This is the time to sacrifice offerings joyfully,” they declared, “as the Divine Presence rested upon our handiwork.” But what else could they offer? They decided to donate carts to transport the Tabernacle. And who gave them this idea? The tribe of Issachar, known for their wisdom and understanding of Torah! They pointed out the obvious: "Does the Tabernacle that you crafted float in the air? Rather, pledge carts upon which you could carry it." Thus, the princes, regretting their initial hesitation, stepped up.
The Midrash then addresses a potential misunderstanding: Were these princes just commoners who were appointed? No! The verse clarifies: “The heads of their patrilineal houses…the princes of the tribes” – princes who were the sons of princes, leaders appointed long ago in Egypt, "those who stood over those who were counted."
What can we take away from this story? Perhaps it's a reminder that true leadership isn't just about holding a position of power, but about being genuinely eager to contribute and participate. It's about recognizing the importance of every contribution, big or small, and not letting pride or hesitation keep us from doing what's right. And maybe, just maybe, it’s a nudge to be like the Israelites of old: to jump in with both feet and a generous heart, before we miss the chance to be part of something truly special.