Miller's Musings Parshas Tetzaveh:The Purest Altruism

בס''ד

Considering the amount of importance that is placed on ensuring that the oil used for the Menorah was the finest pure olive oil, one would be forgiven for thinking that this too would be required for the oil of the Meal offering, especially since this is actually for consumption.  This rationale is in fact expressed by the Tanchuma, but it learns from the words “for illumination”, in reference to this pure oil, that this necessity is exclusively for the Menorah and not for the Meal offerings.  In which case we must ask why this is so? Why indeed does the Meal offering not also carry an obligation for the highest standard of oil?

One of the fundamental differences between these two forms of service was that the meal offering was consumed and therefore was somewhat for the benefit of the one who had brought it.  The Menorah’s light however was not for any one particular person’s advantage, but was rather a spiritual light that radiated throughout the entire world.  With this, says Reb Eliyohu Meir Kovner, we can explain the crucial distinction between the contrasting prerequisites for the oil.  Something that is brought for oneself needn’t be of the finest stock, but something that is there as a contribution for the needs of others must consist of the most refined materials.

Whether we like it or not, humankind is by nature selfish. This does not of course mean that we are irredeemably so, nor does it mean that we are either exempt or incapable of tremendous acts of altruism. Each and every day we see that people do behave in noble and charitable ways.  Nevertheless, even when bestowing good to others, there is a propensity towards saving the best of the beneficence for ourselves.  When we are doing ourselves a favour or asking for one from another, only the best will do and anything else may be an affront.  Yet when we give to someone else it seems that we may lack the same commitment to excellence and rather adopt the position of tolerating ‘good enough’.  Our Parsha tells us that this is in fact the reverse of how it should be.  When we are taking, whatever we receive should be accepted with graciousness and appreciation, no matter the quality.   When we are giving, we should look to how we can make it the best possible giving we are capable of, aware that the pursuit of perfection should be solely reserved for those deeds that extend outwards towards another.

*May our Shabbos be one that is used to perfection*

לעילוי נשמת לאה בת אברהם 

לעילוי נשמת שרה יעל בת גרשון

לרפואת אלימלך יהושע אהרון בן דבורה רבקה