The Consistency Effect
What is the most central verse in the entire Torah? Is it the Shema prayer, the Ten Commandments, or perhaps “love thy neighbor?” ChabadInfo.com presents a short piece on Chassidus written by Rabbi Sholom Schapiro, Shliach and director of the New York Torah Center in Manhattan • Click to Read
What is the most central verse in the entire Torah? Is it the Shema prayer, the Ten Commandments, or perhaps “love thy neighbor?”
The medrash asks this question, and concludes that it is the verse (in this week’s portion) that discusses the daily sacrifices offered in the Beit Hamikdash: “The one lamb you shall offer up in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer up in the afternoon.”
This seems puzzling! How can this verse be more central than all of the other verses of the Torah?
The Maharal of Prague explains the verse as follows. The daily offering underscores the primacy of consistency. There were many great ceremonies and offering brought throughout the year, but only these two offerings are to be brought every single day. No matter the circumstance or degree of difficulty, on Shabbat or on a weekday, on holidays and ordinary days, rain or shine, these offerings are to be brought without fail.
This principle exists in all areas of life. A relationship, for example, cannot subsist of lavish gifts and exotic vacations. It is dependent on consistent commitment, where each partner can be relied on each and every day. The consistent commitment is not glamorous, but it is the foundation of a healthy relationship.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe adds a deeper dimension to this concept. The morning offering represents the good moments in life, when everything proceeds smoothly. The afternoon offering represents the harder moments of life, when one is not feeling up to fulfilling his or her commitments. By telling us that the sacrifices must be offered morning and afternoon, the Torah is telling us that no matter the situation, the mood, or the difficulty entailed, the deed must be done.
We get inspired at special moments, such as Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and then there are times when life feels dreary. No matter what, the Torah says, we have to plow along with our daily offering. The action is what counts, and it must be done every day. It can be a commitment to giving tzedakah daily, or putting on Tefillin. No matter the Mitzvah, the main thing is the persistent resolve to deliver every single day.
What’s more, the consistency itself pulls a person through the difficult times. An action that is done every day spurs a person onward through the hard times.
Shabbat Shalom,
לזכות רוני בת אסנת רבקה להצלחה רבה בכל מתוך בריאות הנכונה ומנוחת הנפש
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