The Korban Tamid – Every Single Day
This week’s Torah reading commands us to bring the Korban Tamid, a set of sheep brought as daily sacrifices, one in the morning and one in evening, every single day (Bamidbar 28).
The Maharal (Netivot Olam, Netiv Ahavat Re’ah, chapter 1) quotes an interesting Midrash about this Mitzvah (commandment): “Ben Zoma says, we find a verse which is more inclusive [of service of God], ‘Shema Yisroel’ (the verse proclaiming that there is one God who is in full control). Ben Nanas says we find a verse which includes even more, ‘Ve’ahavta lere’acha kamocha (Love your friend)’. Shimon ben Pazi says, we find an even more inclusive verse, ‘And the sheep you should do, one in the morning etc.’ (this is referring to the verse about the Korban Tamid.) Rabbi Ploni stood up and said, ‘The verdict is as Shimon ben Pazi says.'”
Consistency is Key
The Maharal quotes the Ein Yaakov who explains the Midrash and says that the different opinions mentioned are different qualities which support the general observance of the Torah. The Midrash concludes that the most essential principle in ensuring proper overall commitment to keeping the Torah is contained in the verse regarding the Korban Tamid.
How does this verse pertain to keeping the rest of the Torah? The answer is that the key to keeping the Torah properly lies in consistency. This is symbolized by the Korban Tamid which was brought every single day. A true servant serves his master at all times. Consistency is the most essential quality in succeeding in Torah observance and serving God properly.
No Loss from Consistent Torah Study
Rabbi Aharon Kotler’s father, Rabbi Shneur Zalman, had a steady session for studying Torah for two consecutive hours, every single day, after the morning prayers. He had a business selling animal hides, and at one point, business was slow. One morning, when finances were tight, a customer arrived. It was a wealthy customer, who had come to purchase a large quantity of hides. It so happened that the customer arrived during the morning learning session of Rabbi Shneur Zalman.
His wife knocked on the door where he was studying, and apprised him of the customer who had arrived. But Rabbi Shneur Zalman would not interrupt his designated Torah study session. Instead, he told his wife that she can let the customer know that if he wanted, the customer could wait until he was done studying. He was not concerned about losing the customer, because he knew he would not lose out for keeping his designated learning session intact. This story made a profound impression on his son, Rabbi Aharon Kotler, who eventually became one of the leading Torah scholars of his time.
Consistency will Lead Us to True Greatness
Consistency is what breeds greatness. Very often, people become inspired to make a change in their lives, but more often than not, the change is short-lived. In order to rise in our spiritual growth, we can’t be wishy-washy in our standards. Whatever we commit ourselves to do should be steady and consistent. We must remember that even when times may be challenging, or we find ourselves at times to be less motivated than usual, it is imperative that we remain consistent with our service of God. A loyal servant of God understands that true loyalty demands consistency. Being consistent in observing Torah laws and values is what leads to true greatness.
By Rabbi Yitzchok Aryeh Strimber torah4every1@gmail.com
