Parshas Tzav (Shabbos HaGadol) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
אש תמיד תוקד על המזבח לא תכבה ... (ו-ו)
The Mishna in Pirkei Avos (5-5) says that one of the ten miracles which occurred in the Bais HaMikdash was that the rain didn’t extinguish the fire on the מזבח. R’ Chaim Volozhiner zt”l in his classic Ruach Chaim on Avos asks two questions. Firstly, Hashem could’ve easily orchestrated that no rain should fall at all. What was the point of this great nes? Additionally, he makes a diyuk in the Mishna. It says "עשרה ניסים" - ten miracles, occurred "לאבותינו" to our fathers, in the mikdash. Why is the word "לאבותינו" necessary? He explains with the following insight. Each of these miracles was a lesson in avodas Hashem for all generations to come. This particular nes teaches us that even if things crop up that could deter a person from his respective service, he mustn’t give in. Rather the fire and passion should continue to vigorously burn bright in him.
R’ Chaim further expounds that rain symbolizes parnassah. The strain of parnassah sometimes presents a major challenge and deterrent to our learning and davening, but a person must persevere and forge ahead, keeping up his קביעות עתים לתורה. Thus, Hashem specifically let the rain descend on the fire to impart this critical lesson. In fact, even when the nation traveled, the fire remained burning; albeit only on a simmer. Perhaps this teaches us that even while we may be on our “down-time”, we must never forget about our commitments and our service to Hakadosh Boruch Hu.
There is a cute anecdote that complements this thought. Someone once bumped into a street peddler who was shouting out his wares. “Excuses for sale! Excuses for sale!” He went over and in wonder exclaimed, “You’re still selling excuses?! You’ve been at it now for over thirty years!” To which the peddler wisely responded, “You don’t get rich selling excuses!”
Yes. Obstacles and excuses will come our way - the key to success is how we react to them!