Our Gemara on Amud Aleph explains a general rule regarding the sanctification of sacrificial material and when it is subject to me’ilah (being violated when used for a profane, secular purpose or benefit). The Gemara declares: “There is no item whose mitzvah has been performed that is still subject to the prohibition of misusing consecrated property.”
The idea is that sacrificial material remains in a sacred state up until the time the ritual is performed. Once the ritual is completed, the energy is discharged, so to speak.
Sichas Avodas Halevi (33:5) uses this principle to help us understand another Talmudic idea regarding blessings. The Gemara (Berachos 35a) states:
“One who derives benefit from this world without a blessing, it is as if he enjoyed objects consecrated to the heavens (me’ilah), as it is stated: ‘The earth and all it contains is the Lord’s, the world and all those who live in it’ (Psalms 24:1). Rabbi Levi raises a contradiction: It is written, “The earth and all it contains is the Lord’s,” and elsewhere, “The heavens are the Lord’s, and the earth He has given to mankind” (Psalms 115:16). He resolves the contradiction: Before a blessing is recited, the earth is the Lord’s; after a blessing, it is given to mankind.”
Rav Ruderman asks: How does reciting a blessing remove the consecration? The answer is that, just as the material for a sacrifice is consecrated for the purpose of performing the service—and once the service is performed, the sanctification departs because the energy is discharged—so too, everything in this world functions in the same dynamic.
The pleasures of this world were “consecrated,” so to speak, by God in order that man recognize and appreciate them, and turn toward the Creator in gratitude and emulation. Through the blessing, this recognition is actualized; it is as if the sacrificial procedure were completed, and the products are then permitted for benefit.
Looking at the world through this lens transforms everyday life into sacrifice and service. The “sacrifice” of daily life is not only toil and burden, but also the enjoyment of the world’s gifts. When done with conscious appreciation of God as Creator, it becomes an act of avodah.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com