Shemos 5786

After HKB”H speaks with Moshe and tells him that he’ll lead BY out of Mitzrayim, He adds that Aharon will be waiting for him to act his Moshe’s spokesperson. HKB”H notes that Aharon would be happy to see Moshe; Rashi points out that because of Aharon’s happiness at Moshe’s new position and title, Aharon merited to become the Kohen Gadol.

There is a fascinating Midrash in Rus (5:6) that speaks of three individuals who seemingly did not perform mitzvos wholeheartedly; had they known that HKB”H would record their actions, the Midrash claims that they would’ve gone the extra mile. These individuals are Reuven, Aharon, and Boaz. Reuven had made efforts to save Yosef from his brothers and convinced them to throw him into a pit instead of killing him. Had Reuven known that HKB”H recorded how he saved Yosef, he would’ve put Yosef on his shoulders all the way back to Yaakov. As noted, Aharon went out to greet Moshe on the way to Mitzrayim with a happy heart. Had Aharon known that HKB”H recorded his feelings, he would’ve greeted Moshe with an ensemble of drums and dances. Boaz showed kindness to Rus and provided her with some grain to eat upon her first visit to his field. Had Boaz known that HKB”H recorded his kindness, he would’ve prepared fattened cows as a meal for her. This Midrash seems to imply that these Tzaddikim would be motivated by honor. How could that be? Doesn’t Pirkei Avos (6:6) count “distancing oneself from honor” is a way to acquire Torah?

The Yefeh Anaf (Rabbi Shmuel Yaffe Ashkenazi) explains that this is not how understand this Midrash. Chas V’shalom that such holy people would pursue honor in such ways! Rather, had they known their actions would have been recorded for future generations, they would’ve gone the extra mile with these mitzvos to set a precedence. Their wholehearted actions would inspire their descendants to act the same way in giving 100% to their dedication.

The Yefeh Anaf then continues on saying how even such Tzaddikim will refrain from full efforts at times for certain reasons. In Reuven’s case, he was outnumbered by his brothers, and he was afraid that his brothers would rise up against him. Had he known he would be role model for future generations, he would’ve put his life on the line for Yosef. Regarding Aharon, he was afraid of being mocked by others if he were to greet Moshe in a grandiose way. Had he known he would be an example for his descendants, he would’ve gone full red carpet for Moshe despite the mockery. Lastly, Boaz was afraid of criticism from his workers saying that he was only looking to distinguish himself from the rest of the group in an act of haughtiness to impress Rus. Had he known his actions would be recorded forever, he would’ve provided her with a lavish meal despite the potential criticism.

The Yefeh Anaf concludes by saying that the lesson here is to do mitzvos to the greatest extent you can despite potential reasons to refrain from doing so. While the topic of finding human faults in such holy people is a debated topic, it allows us to connect more with these figures. We get to see their human side and how they dealt with emotions despite their greatness. The Midrash is emphasizing how there is always room for improvement no matter what your spiritual level is.

Shavuot 5780

It is ironic that during this Shavuos we will not be able to gather together to learn Torah, daven, and enjoy the chag. The Gemara in Pesachim (68b) calls Shavuos by the name "Atzeres", which can be translated as an assembly. The Seforno on Vayikra 23:36 says that this name is chosen because Bnei Yisroel had gathered together to accept the Torah at Mt. Sinai (Matan Torah). The Even Ezra there also brings an opinion down that the word signifies a communal gathering. Though we continue to be separate from one another, we hope that we once again gather together in the shul in the service of Hashem to celebrate as well as with Moshiach in Yerushalayim bimheirah biyomeinu.
At the very end of the Seforno's comment, he notes that the Torah never actually calls the Shavuos by the name "Atzeres." In fact, the text in the Torah never mentions that Shavuos commemorates the giving of the Torah nor does it list a date for its celebration. How could such important details be omitted from the text?
The Kli Yakar on 23:16 discusses the Torah's description of bringing a "new" sacrifice on Shavuos. He explains that Torah should be seen as something new and fresh in the eyes of a person as if he/she accepted it from Mt. Sinai on that very day. If one does so, then *every single day* is considered the day of Matan Torah and hence no need to set aside a specific day to commemorate this event. The emphasis here is the daily renewal and rededication of one's efforts to Torah study. The Kli Yakar adds the Sifri's statement that words of Torah should always be new to a person and not like something that makes one sick. There is always something new to learn in Torah.
This idea of renewal is emphasized in the laws of the reading the Shema. The Shulchan Aruch in Orach Chaim 61:2 says that when one reads "these things which I have commanded you today" one should see the Mitzvos as newly given and not as if one has heard them previously and therefore no longer dear to him/her. Rashi on that verse adds that one should read the Shema as if it is a new royal proclamation which everyone is excited to read.
The Gemara in Nedarim (81a) notes that the first Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because the people did not say Birchos Hatorah before learning each day. The Ran there explains that the people were definitely involved with Torah constantly at the time, but that Torah became unimportant to them. It was no longer worthy in their eyes on which to make a blessing before learning. Their efforts were for the wrong reasons and their service became almost like a daily chore.
Doing Mitzvos such as davening and learning are to be embedded into our daily routine but in a way that resonates with us. We are to involve ourselves in Mitzvos with the right mindset and not by rote. We are to see them as if we are partaking in them for the very first time with each given opportunity.
During this period of social distancing, our days have melted into one another and have disrupted our sense of routine. Alternatively, we find ourselves lacking a sense of freshness to our days, turning us into mindless zombies as we drag our feet around our houses looking to occupy ourselves.
Our lesson here addresses these two issues. By establishing a routine of Torah learning and always looking upon Torah with fresh eyes every morning, we can stay strong during this tough time and look forward to each day with the same enthusiasm and drive as we had since the beginning.