Never Enough

It is unusual for a Parsha to begin with the word, “צו,” meaning, to command. The usual language is דבר, or speak to the Children of Israel.

We are taught that the word צו is a language of זריזות, or alacrity. We are to serve Hashem with enthusiasm, without hesitation.

The question is why in this case was such a command given. The Torah is speaking about the קרבן עולה which was burned completely on the altar. The Kohanim were being reminded to treat the עולה as they would any other sacrifice. There could be a tendency to be lax with this Temple service, since there was nothing in it for the Kohanim. They were entitled to eat portions of other sacrifices, but not this one.

There is a strong message here about human nature. This should not even have been a consideration that the Kohanim would treat the עולה different from the חטאת or אשם. The Kohanim received an overabundance of meat from the other sacrifices, but somehow, there remained this feeling that there’s never enough.

Rabbi Twerski pointed out that this insecurity even exists in billionaires. J.P. Getty was once asked why he continued to work when he was so wealthy. He said he would quit when he made a little more.

We must overcome this insecurity that there won’t be enough left for us. This acquisitive drive is not subject to logic. But it can be overcome if we observe the Mitzvot with the alacrity implied by the word, “צו.”