Rabbi Arieli adds that the menorah is symbolic of the study of the Torah. Properly understanding the depths of the Torah is a gift from God which only comes after a person has exerted himself to the limits of his ability. The S’fas Emes suggests that this principle isn’t limited to Torah study, but it applies to all the mitzvot.
We live in a world of instant gratification and instant delivery for our online shopping. The immediate gratification that we have become accustomed to can make it hard to keep consistent effort longer than two to three business days. We know where we want to get to but sometimes find it hard to put in the effort to get there. This story with Moshe is showing us two important lessons that I think if focused on, will make our lives better.
Firstly, in order to succeed we need to put in the effort. To help make the effort enjoyable, focus on the ultimate goal attached to it. Additionally, we see that even when we are feeling disheartened, God is with us and will ultimately show us the way if the struggle is beyond our limitations.
It should come as a great comfort that there is someone who wants our success and will guide us through our struggles – we just have to put our best foot forward.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Dovi Friedman
|