No Honey Please
Dear friends, In this week's pasrasha the Torah discusses the various Korbanot (sacrifices) which must be brought to the Mikdash. It is stated, "Any meal offering that you offer to Hashem shall not be prepared leavened, for you shall not cause to go up in smoke from any leaving or fruit honey as a fire offering to Hashem. You shall offer them as a first fruit offering to Hashem"(2:11-12). Chamets, leaven, are symbols of arrogance. Honey which is extremely sweet represents the pursuit of sensual pleasures. Offerings to God may not be tainted by these two characteristics. One must not study Torah and fulfill Mitsvot in order to gain fame and honor, nor should he do so in order to enjoy reward in this world. Rambam writes: "One who serves God out of love is involved with Torah and Mitsvot and pursues wisdom not to achieve any goal in the world. He acts this way neither out of fear of punishment nor in order to attain the good life; rather, he practices what is true because it is true, and good will eventually come as a result."
A Life Lesson
The worldly endeavors such as attaining wealth and honor seem as sweet as honey at first, but in reality they have a bitter end. Real sweetness comes from spiritual pursuits and becoming closer to God. The beginnings may be difficult, but the end is smooth and sweet.
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