דבר תורה פרשת תצוה

Rabbi Akiva is famous for declaring "love your neighbor as yourself" is the fundamental principle of the Torah. In the introduction to Ein Yaakov, a collection of amoraic Midrashim, the editor writes of a

Midrash he found discussing the same topic. Ben Zoma supports the Shema as the most fundamental verse, Ben Nanas says "love your neighbor as yourself" and Ben Pazi posits that a verse from our parsha, describing the daily offerings in the mishkan, "offer one lamb in the morning and one lamb in the evening" (Exodus 29:39) is the most fundamental principle in the Torah.  After this declaration, the

Midrash continues that Rav Ploni stood and declared that the law was in accordance with Ben Pazi.

It is easy to understand the reasoning behind the other two answers. The Shema proclaims the oneness of God and the allegiance of Bnei Yisrael to Him. Shema is recited before a brit milah and on the deathbed. Besides the support of Rabbi Akiva for "love thy neighbor as yourself" there is another story in the Talmud that emphasizes the importance of the principle. The Talmud Bavli Shabbat 31a describes a potential convert who desires to be taught the entire Torah on one foot as condition for his conversion. Hillel, quoting the verse, tells him that what is hateful to you do not do to others.

It is difficult to see the fundamental principle behind Ben Pazi's answer. The Maharal suggests that the significance of the verse lies in its simplicity and its daily obligation. This does not explain why Ben Pazi selected this verse instead of others that also describe mitzvot with daily obligations.

Rav Aharon Lichtenstein expands on the Maharal's explanation. In our parsha, the construction of the

Mishkan is incomplete without the daily sacrifice. The daily offering is what gives the Mishkan meaning.

Consistency is a model that gives man meaning as well.

The Mishna in Avot 3:15 states "all is determined by the majority of one's deeds." The Rambam comments that the determining factor in one's personal growth is not the greatness of the deed but the number. The Rambam posits it is better to give $10 to charity one hundred times than to give $1,000 once. The constant dedication necessary to perform these acts will further the generosity of the person. 

We can learn from the daily offering that steady and consistent performance of the mitzvot wins the race.

Shabbat shalom,

Elisha Penn

Class of 2010