Vayikra 5786 – More or Less

Mas Hachnassa is now grappling with what could be the largest tax payment they have ever faced. The sale of Wiz to Google is generating a liability that could exceed 10 billion shekels.

The amounts are eye-watering and can humble anyone when reflecting on their own financial position and achievements. Similarly, in the spiritual realm, when we witness the great acts of kindness taking place across the country and compare them to even our smallest gestures, it can feel disheartening.

However, in this week’s Parsha, we are taught about the various voluntary offerings a person could bring to the Beis Hamikdash. These offerings ranged from a cow to a bird to a Mincha (baked) offering. The Mishna in Menachos (110a) points out that the Torah describes each of these as a “pleasant fire smell before Hashem.” Recognizing that these offerings would have been brought by people of differing financial means, the Mishna makes the famous statement: “Both the one who does more and the one who does less are equal, provided their intentions are for Heaven.”

Tosfos Yom Tov on Maseches Avos (2:16) asks: why would someone choose to do more if they could do less and still be equal, provided they have the right intentions?

He answers that when a person has the ability to do more but chooses to do less, they are clearly being lax in their responsibilities and not acting with the proper intentions. A person with the right beliefs and values will always strive to do the maximum they possibly can. When the only limiting factors are the external circumstances that Hashem places them in, all people are valued equally.

Each of us is placed in a unique set of conditions and opportunities throughout our life, and we are only responsible for how we act in those circumstances. May we always strive to live life to the fullest.

For any billion shekel related or other financial issues you require assistance with please reach out at [email protected]. Good Shabbos.