Daf Yomi, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Torah and Psychology, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy
Our Gemara discusses the principle that an offering that is more sacred takes precedence over one that is less sacred. This rule seems to conflict with a different rule, that one proceeds in the order of lesser sanctity to greater sanctity, as known most famously for Beis Hillel’s reason that the Chanuka lights go from 1–8 and not 8–1 (Shabbos 21a). How do we know when to apply each principle?
Rav Kook (Orach Mishpat 3) explains that when dealing with unrelated mitzvos, we give priority to the more sacred one. However, when there are several connected mitzvos, we start with the lesser holiness and progress to the greater.
This distinction resolves the contradiction, but what are the spiritual implications? It seems to be saying that when faced with a choice of unrelated opportunities, choose the most holy one. The relatively higher value dictates that it be chosen first. Yet when we are engaged in what could be a series of related actions, the best way is to build up from lower to higher.
The latter idea may be related to human development, where intensity and attainment are more likely to occur via a gradual process instead of jumping many steps ahead. Concentration and focus, as well as emotions, build over time. If a person leaps into something, while they may be able to sustain it, it also could fade quickly. Easy come, easy go.
A crash diet could help you fit a particular garment in time for a wedding, but the pounds might go right back when the diet is over. However, a gradual process allows the body to get used to something, as well as to more fully integrate the necessary and permanent lifestyle changes. A person might cram for a test and forget most of the material a day later. On the other hand, if the person studies over a period of weeks and practices with review questions, the knowledge is integrated with related experiences and bases of related principles. The same is true for spirituality and for any human process — slow and steady, easy does it.
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