The first offerings to Hashem were brought by Kayin and Hevel (Cain and Abel). Kayin was the first to bring an offering, but he brought flaxseed, an inferior part of his crop. Hevel followed suit, and he brought the choicest sheep from his flock. Hashem accepted Hevel’s offering but did not accept Kayin’s.
One of the lessons we can learn from this story is the concept of Hidur Mitzvah—performing a mitzvah in the most beautiful and meaningful way possible. Hevel brought the best he had, while Kayin brought an inferior offering.
The Talmud (Shabbos 133b) teaches that we should glorify Hashem by beautifying the mitzvos we perform. Some of the examples cited include building a beautiful sukkah, purchasing a fine lulav and esrog, and investing in quality tzitzis and a beautiful Sefer Torah.
But Hidur Mitzvah is not limited to mitzvos between us and Hashem. The Rambam teaches that the same principle applies to mitzvos between people. When feeding the poor, we should offer food from the best that is on our table. When giving clothing to those in need, we should give them our good quality clothing rather than worn-out garments.
This teaches us an important lesson about chesed and tzedakah. Of course, we cannot always give away our best coat or our finest clothing. But we should think carefully about what we do give. Are we donating clothes simply to clear out our closets, getting rid of things we no longer want? Or are we thoughtfully giving items that someone else will genuinely appreciate and be happy to wear?
We have just come through the holiday season, particularly Sukkos. We may have spent considerable sums building a sukkah, purchasing a beautiful esrog, and preparing delicious meals for Yom Tov. We take pride in beautifying our mitzvos and giving Hashem our best. But do we bring that same attitude to our mitzvos between people? When it comes to chesed and tzedakah, let us give not merely what we can spare, but what will truly help and bring dignity to another person. Let us be willing to spend a little extra; not only of our money, but also our time and effort.
Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Shaps and the JET Team
