Discovering Love

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

The campaign to raise donations for the Mishkan was a remarkable success. Even after the goals were reached people continued to offer more, until Moshe finally announced to stop. Such was the great motivation that people had to give.

Interestingly, when the Torah was given at Sinai, Jewish tradition describes a different attitude. When finally dismissed, the Jewish people rushed away, “like a child released from school.” Apparently they were afraid that if they stayed longer they would get additional “assignments” i.e. mitzvos. Why is it that regarding donations, the Jewish people were so ready to give even more, while by Sinai they felt that they had enough?

The story is told of a chicken and a cow who were walking on a road and saw a big sign advertising an eatery just ahead. “We Serve Steak and Eggs,” the sign declared. The chicken said to the cow, “We are famous!” The cow replied, “Indeed. But for you it is just a contribution. For me it means that I have to give of myself.”

Perhaps the difference between the mitzvos at Sinai and the donations for the Mishkan is that mitzvos require that we give of our essence. Often it is easier to give a donation than to really alter our way of doing things. Although the Jewish people were on a very high level and declared “Naaseh V’Nishma,- we are prepared to do the mitzvos,” they still had a bit of reluctance and were anxious to move on lest more mitzvos would be added.

The Baalei Mussar suggest that there is an ongoing choice of two different ways that we can look at mitzvos. One way is to see mitzvos as commandments which may impose or infringe on our way of life. If this is the perspective then indeed, “less is better”. There is, however, a second way to look at mitzvos, and that is as an expression of love. With such a perspective one yearns to learn more about mitzvos and to observe them properly.

Imagine a newlywed couple who are trying to discover one another, but find that neither is very talkative. The love they have and the love they wish to develop creates a profound desire to discover what is it that the spouse really likes, so that they can do it. “Do you like chocolate, jewelry, furniture, or clothing?” they might ask. Or is it the thrills of life that really turn you on, like bungee jumping, helicopter rides, or white water rafting…in Zimbabwe…with the crocodiles? If I really like you, then I want to know what brings you thrill, so that I can do those things that are meaningful to you.

Indeed, if we do not have a profound and personal relationship then it is easier to simply respect a cause from afar and donate to it. But if we aspire to a real relationship with Hashem, then mitzvos represent bonding points- not impositions. Mitzvos are guideposts in life’s journey. They are our way to discover Love.

© 2016 by TEACH613™