איש או אשה כי יפליא לנדור נדר נזיר להזיר…(נשא ו:ב)

The Ibn Ezra explains that the word “יפליא” is connected to the concept of פלא — wonder. The idea of Nezirus is indeed a פלא, for a person separates himself from worldly pleasures and physical desires at a time when most people are drawn to them. The greatness and wonder of Klal Yisroel is their ability to live with “קדש עצמך במותר לך” — to sanctify themselves even through things that are technically permitted, distancing themselves from unnecessary indulgence.

The Histoiner Rav zt”l was famously known in Germany as the “Wonder Rabbiner” — the “איש פלא.” Once, a Yid asked the Rebbe what this title represented. The Rebbe explained: There is a “שטאט רבינער,” a city Rav who leads a city; a “קרייז רב,” who oversees several communities; and a “לאנדס רבינער,” who leads an entire country. But a “וואונדער רבינער” — a wonder Rav — is one who rules over himself, which is the greatest form of מלכות. As the passuk says, “ואתם תהיו לי ממלכת כהנים וגוי קדוש” — the greatest kingdom is mastery over oneself.

This same idea appears in the haftorah of Parshas Naso. When Manoach asked the Malach his name, the Malach answered, “והוא פלאי.” A malach is completely separated from worldly desires, and Klal Yisroel possesses a similar koach through “איש כי יפליא” — the ability to rise above physical temptations and create true פלאות through self-sanctification.