Tetzaveh - The Inner and Outer Altars: A Reflection on True Desires

In the seventh and final Aliya of Parshas Tetzaveh, the Torah unveils a profound commandment: "Hashem said to Moshe, the inner mizbeach (altar) is holy of holies unto Hashem, and once a year on Yom Kippur, Aaron the high priest will bring an offering as atonement."

Within the temple, two altars played distinctive roles—the large, main outer altar and the smaller, golden inner altar. Kabbalah teaches that the inner altar represents our deepest desires, while the outer altar symbolizes the more indirect desires leading to our innermost longings.

The outer altar facilitated animal sacrifices, addressing the routine actions of our mundane lives. In contrast, the inner altar was designated for the offering of incense, reflecting our innermost desire to intensify and personalize our relationship with Hashem.

In the context of divine service, this distinction implies that our mundane actions should remain external, while our relationship with Hashem constitutes the genuine and internal aspect of our being. This underscores the need to fully engage our potential in learning Torah and fulfilling Hashem's mitzvos, as this represents our true selves and deepest desires.

A powerful anecdote from Rabbi Adin Even Yisroel Steinsaltz adds depth to this understanding. Faced with an overwhelming workload, Rabbi Steinsaltz sought advice from the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Expressing his time constraints, he asked which projects to put on hold. The Rebbe's surprising response was to take on more projects, comparing it to fitting more atoms into limited space under pressure. This revelation empowered Rabbi Steinsaltz to accomplish incredible works in his life.

 

The timeless wisdom captured in the saying "If you want to get something done, ask a busy person" resonates here. Those who fill their days with purpose and responsibility often find more room for accomplishment. Let us strive to be the busy individuals who, amidst the demands of life, discover the capacity to achieve meaningful goals.

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