Good in Others

What is the most important verse in the Tanach?

Considering that there are nearly 6000 verses in the Torah (Five books of Moses) alone, and more than 25,000 in the entire Tanach (Hebrew Bible) this is a hard question to answer.

Yet, the Sages discussed this and offered a few suggestions.

One opinion is that the first verse of the Torah which speaks of God creating the world is the most important. After all, if there is no world then there is nothing to talk about. The creation set everything in motion and hence is the most important verse.

Another suggestion is “I am the Lord your God who took you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2) No doubt that the creation of the world is important, but this verse demonstrates God’s continued involvement in the world. He is not just the creator, He is the sustainer and that, argues this opinion, is more important.

Along comes another Sage and suggests a third option and argues that the most important verse is “…love your neighbor like yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) Creation is important, God’s sustaining of the world is important but at the end of the day, how we treat each other is what it is all about.

Finally, there is a fourth opinion. “The one lamb you shall offer up in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer up in the afternoon” which is a verse from our parsha.

How are we to understand this?

This verse discusses the daily offering that was brought in the Temple every single day in the morning and in the afternoon without exception.

The creation of the world, God’s sustaining of the world, loving people are all critical but what is even more important? It is what you do every single day in service of God. It is the uninterrupted consistency that is the bedrock of a faith filled life in this world.

A true test of our relationship with God is how consistent are we.

Do you pray every day? Do you study every day? Are you kind every day? Do you give charity every day?

Connecting with God is not a hobby, it is something that is a part of each and every moment of our lives.

In the end, it is this last opinion that is accepted.