Parshas Devarim (Chazon) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- Jul 16
- 1 min read
כי תבאו לראות פני מי בקש זאת מידכם רמס חצרי ... (ישעי'א-יב)
As the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash loomed closer, one of the sins that Yeshaya HaNavi chose to admonish the nation for, was their lack of adherence to the great mitzvah of Oleh Regel (the pilgrimage to the Bais HaMikdash every Sukkos, Pesach, and Shavuos) and said: “When you come to appear before Me … to trample My courtyards.”
Interestingly, although Malchus Yisroel did not go up due to a ban from Yeravem ben Nevat, Malchus Yehuda had no such restrictions and they did indeed go up. Why then does the Navi admonish all of Klal Yisroel for not keeping this mitzvah when in fact there were many who did?
R’ Avraham Pam zt”l explains that even though Malchus Yehuda did keep to the holy pilgrimage three times a year, Oleh Regel was an opportunity for spiritual elevation which needs to be harnessed. The people of Malchus Yehuda would bring their sacrifice as an empty ritual, devoid of any meaning, which devalued the mitzvah so much that it ultimately became “a nuisance” to Hashem rather than a real and actual pleasure.
One of the biggest pitfalls a Jew encounters in his daily life is falling into a monotonous observance of mitzvos. While it is hard to maintain an excitement day in day out, it is imperative to remember that if each person on their own individual level figures out a way to renew their commitment and enthusiasm to Hashem and His mitzvos, Hashem will reciprocate their zeal and ultimately bring Mashiach.