Close To Torah

Sincerity is an important trait that bears a role in relationships as well as in one’s service of their Creator. Drawing a parallel from Parshas Tzav, we see a clear example of what it means to be sincere and do something in the right way crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s.

Thus far, much of what we have spoken about has revolved around the idea of sincerity. Today I’d like to develop this theme a bit more drawing a parallel from Parshas Tzav in Vayikra (Leviticus).

Parshas Tzav consists of ninety-six verses. The Hebrew letters which represent ninety-six are, interestingly enough, ‘Tzadi’ and ‘Vav’ spelling out the word and name of the Parsha, Tzav!

(Just to confuse you, classic texts show that Tzav actually contains ninety-seven verses. See the commentary Minchas Shai on verse 8:8 for further clarity.)

Tzav, I should mention, is translated as ‘command’. This essentially is what the Parsha is all about.

In the Parsha, the Torah – in great detail – outlines the instructions for Aaron and his sons – the Kohanim – regarding the sacrificial offerings in the Temple. The Sages (Sifra: Tractate Kiddushin 29a) note that we usually find that instructions bear the word ‘Amarta – say’ or ‘Da’ber – speak’. Here we find that the instructions are all preceded by the word ‘Tzav’. Here is where we begin.

‘Tzav‘ is a more emphatic and bolder term. It implies that the Kohanim were to be extra zealous in their performance of the service as well the requirement that it be taught to the future generations. R’ Shimon adds that this is especially true of the commands that involve monetary loss such as the ‘Olah’ offering we see in Rashi which was burned completely and was not consumed.

Skipping ahead to the end of the Parsha where it talks about the consecration of the Kohanim we notice something quite interesting. After each of the seven steps, we find the words “Kasher Tzivah Hashem Es Moshe – as Hashem had commanded Moshe.” Essentially the story line goes like this: Moshe completed the sacred task…. as Hashem had commanded Moshe. This appears not once, but seven times.

I’ll illustrate the question with a practical example. If your mother – or wife for that matter – asks you to do something(s) and you complete the tasks do you report back saying, “I did X like you said. I did Y like you said. I did Z like you said?” (I hope not.)

No. You let them know that the tasks were completed as they asked. So why do we find that the Torah went to great lengths to reiterate the words, “as Hashem had commanded Moshe” after each of the seven steps?

The answer is quite powerful and one I heard from a Rebbi of mine in Jerusalem.

When we are given a task be it mundane or holy, there are two ways to do it. We can ‘do it’ or we can choose to ‘do it‘. We can view it as an awesome opportunity or – G-d forbid – a meager chore. Our mindset is what is key and makes the difference.

Here in the Parsha, Moshe is given a slate of seemingly repetitive ‘tasks’ to complete. Yet, Moshe chose – and thereby teaches us an important lesson – to do it with passion and to the tee. As we would say, ‘crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s. No cutting corners to get the job done. Doing it exactly as Hashem instructed and doing so because that’s your passion and heartfelt desire.

That’s why the Torah went out of its’ way to repeat the phrase seven times. To emphasize the importance and drive this lesson home. Moshe did so, but ‘“Kasher Tzivah Hashem Es Moshe – as Hashem had commanded Moshe.” He didn’t just do it, he did it!

This is the lesson for everyday life we can take out of Parshas Tzav and integrate it into our trait of sincerity thereby enhancing it, and taking it one step higher adding a bit of passion and feeling to our tasks at hand.

I’ll close with a short story to illustrate the point. It’s about a friend of mine ‘Chaim Mendel’ who recently passed away. May this Torah thought be a source of merit for his Neshama.

My friend, Chaim Mendel, was particularly of Mitzvos such as Tefillin, Tzitzis and Yarmulka. For example, when he needed a pair of Tzitzis he wouldn’t purchase it ready-made from the store. He purchased the strings and garment separately and had someone make it for him. It was so precious to him that he wanted to make sure it was done just right.

Just as he made sure his motorcycles were in top form (it was a big hobby of his), when it came to his performance of Mitzvos he made sure that they were perfect too. He crossed his T’s and dotted his I’s. He viewed Mitzvos not as ‘tasks’ but more importantly as sacred opportunities.

That is the lesson we must integrate and internalize. Yes, ‘Tzav’ is a command that connotes emphasis. However, it’s one that is extremely important and has a framework titled, “Kasher Tzivah Hashem Es Moshe – as Hashem had commanded Moshe.”

Throughout the Torah we find mention of the 613 Mitzvos. Yet, we must bear in mind that it’s imperative that we not only fulfill the Mitzvos, but do them with passion and do them with pride. This is crucial for leading a successful life. Strive for perfection, strive for truth and be sincere. We never face challenges but small obstacles. We aren’t given tasks but opportunities.

So next time when an ‘opportunity’ comes your way, before you do it – remember the lesson learned from Parshas Tzav and as the famous corporate slogan goes ‘just do it’ – but do it right!

Next week: Thanksgiving: A Torah Perspective

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