Aspiring for Perfectionism
Parshas Emor teaches us a basic principle in the service of Hashem: when an individual wishes to approach sanctity, there is a basic precondition: one may not enter the portal of the king while dressed in sackcloth. One cannot approach sanctity, jump up to the heavens, without paying attention to some basic perfection, that the Torah defines in exact terms.
Kohanim are forbidden to serve in the Kodesh while they are impure. They cannot live lives that are incomplete in daily behavior- "They shall not make baldness upon their head… nor make any cuttings in their flesh… They shall not take a woman that is a harlot…" A maimed Kohein is forbidden to take part in the service, and it is forbidden to bring a maimed animal as a sacrifice. Everything must be whole, complete, and perfect.
The Jewish nation aspires to perfection in all aspects of life. It is their nature. Their closeness to Hashem leaves no room for mediocrity or compromise. Therefore, the Torah defines precisely what comprises true perfection in every realm of life is, and how it can be achieved.
The Torah speaks many times about one other perfection, a very fundamental one: the wholeness and integrity of Eretz Yisroel. The entirety of Eretz Yisroel is a precondition for the complete Shechina- the Divine Presence- to dwell amongst us in its entirety. Shleimus Haaretz is a precondition to having all components in life and fulfilling mitzvos perfect and better.
A lack in the aspiration to see Eretz Yisroel whole and integral, hints of a great lack of aspiration to perfection in all realms of life. The longing to see Eretz Yisroel whole and complete, is actually the desire to experience Hashem′s perfect Monarchy, as it says:" And the L-RD shall be King over all the earth", (Zecharia, 14,9). |
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