Discipline and Consistency

The end of Parshat פנחס discusses the various sacrifices that were offered in the Beit Hamikdash on Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh and the holidays. In addition, there is a reference to the קרבן התמיד that was offered in the morning and evening every day of the year.

There is a Midrash that it is specifically the קרבן תמיד that cleanses the sins of Israel, and makes them free of sin, like a year old baby.

Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira asked why it was the קרבן התמיד that had that ability more than the other sacrifices. He explained that there is great importance to having consistency in one’s life. He noted that when great rabbis were asked their secret to longevity, they always began with the word, מימי, meaning, “all my days.”

This is also the great aspect of learning Daf Yomi, that is that of consistency. It is a consistent, daily, study of the daily page of Talmud.

The Chafetz Chaim once emphasized this point by describing one who begins boiling water, but starts and stops to the point where the water never boils.

This idea is found in Pirkei Avot where a person should never say, “When I have time, I will study, for perhaps he will never study.”

Judaism is special because of the discipline required in its observance. We are meant to establish a lifestyle that consistently allows us to observe all of the Mitzvot. This is the meaning of the Midrash regarding the קרבן תמיד. Mitzvot bear fruit when we consistently observe them.