Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Fulfilling Commandments

Is there a problem with fulfilling the commandments in a basic fashion and not in the choicest manner (Mitzvah Min Hammubar)? From Rashi's explanation on the Gemara of Berachot (30a) we see that someone who is in a position to perform the commandments in the choicest manner but does not do so, is called wicked. Why should that be so?


A person should look closely at how particular he is about his food and drink, that it should be to his taste and palate, with the right seasoning and ingredients. The wine has to be of the type and strength that he likes and all the utensils that he eats and drinks from should be pleasing to him. And when it comes to his clothing, he is not willing to wear the first thing that comes into his hands, but wants to ensure that it fits correctly and is of the right color and material for him.

If one is so particular about these items, how much more so should one be particular about pleasing the Creator. If one is in a position to perform a Mitzvah in a better fashion and one does not do so, it gives the impression that one is not concerned about the honor of the Creator, Heaven forbid. Therefore, one should do whatever one can to fulfill the commandments in the best possible manner.

by Rabbi Ya'aqob Menashe

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