In this week’s parashah we learn (Rashi 35:21, 40) that he construction of the Menorah was so complex, that despite being given its details — and being shown the vision of a Menorah of fire — Moses remained perplexed. So Hashem instructed him to throw a block of gold into a fire and the Menorah emerged, fully formed (see “the book,” page 90 :-) ) .
Let us consider this for a moment: In reality, was the Menorah beyond Moshe’s comprehension, or not?
If it was within his ability to grasp it, why did he not? After all, this is Moshe Rabbeinu, who has achieved 49 of the 50 levels of understanding, who was as close to an angel as possible, who understood all of the Torah in its full intricacy, depth and breadth. Rav Chaim of Volozhin explains that Moshe kibeil Torah Mi’Sinai, he fully received everything that was transmitted. Their was no falloff or loss between the Giver and the recipient. So why would he not have applied himself to understand this?
On the other hand, If the construction of the Menorah was was beyond Moshe’s ability to grasp it, why would Hashem, the Creator who was fully aware of Moshe’s intellectual capabilities, have tried to explain something that Moshe would be unable to comprehend? And if it wouldn’t help anyway, why would He show Moshe a Menorah of fire?
When Chazal tell us that Moshe could not fully comprehend the construction of the Menorah, they never imply that there was any fault on Moshe’s part. So why then did Hashem command him this?
Perhaps it is to teach a vital lesson in studying Torah and mitzvah observance.
In giving Moshe a command that was beyond his grasp, Hashem is telling us “Try your best, don’t give up. If one approach doesn’t work, try another way. And if, after you have tried, you still fail to understand what you are learning or to fulfill the mitzvah you were attempting to fulfill, you still have done My Will. And like the block of gold that I turned into delicate, intricate Menorah, I will take your efforts and transform them into beautiful mitzvos.”
There’s a well-known insight from the Chofetz Chaim: When we make a siyum upon the completion of a masechta, we say “anu ameilim v’heim ameilim; anu ameilim umekablim sachar, v’heim ameilim v’einam mekablim sachar, we toil (in Torah and mitzvos) and they toil; we toil and receive reward, but they toil and do not receive reward.” The question is obvious: Doesn’t everyone get compensated for their work?
He explains that if a shoemaker spends hours making a pair of shoes, but they do not fit properly, the shoemaker doesn’t get paid. He is not paid for the toil, but for producing results. When a person toils in doing Hashem’s Will, however, he is rewarded for his efforts.
May it be Hashem’s Will that we never become discouraged, and that our efforts and deeds always find favor before Him.
Gut Shabbos and a gutten Chodesh. Don’t forget: Mishenichnas Adar marbin besimchah, and this year we have a double-dose.
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