Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses what sacrifice takes precedence — the more holy (mekudash) sacrifice or the one that is brought more often (tadir)? For example, what gets sprinkled first: the blood from the daily Tamid sacrifice or the blood from a chattas?

Mei Shiloach (I, Mishpatim 5) relates this to the idea of what middah, what character trait, is more appropriate: patience or zealotry. Tadir — consistent and continuous action — represents patience, while mekudash represents the occasional need to act immediately and not be judicious or circumspect. Each middah has value, and the default is patience and reflection except in rare instances. In those rare instances, which are judgment calls, overthinking and caution will cause more harm than good.

Mei Shiloach derives this allegorically from the verse (Shemos 23:19): “The choice first fruits of your soil you shall bring to the house of your God. Also you shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk.” The juxtaposition of these seemingly unrelated verses can be understood in light of this discussion.

A goat represents impetuousness, as it jumps about and often in the Gemara is a symbol of an animal that breaks boundaries (Succah 14b). Holding back from eating the first fruits until a portion is dedicated to God represents patience. Therefore, the entire verse is a discussion of boundaries. Generally speaking, be prudent and follow a process; recognize and thank God before jumping to your gratifications. But if there is a need for speed and action, don’t let the goat stew at a slow boil. I will add: “Don’t cook the goat in its mother’s milk” is symbolic of mother’s love and nurture which, at times that require courage and decisiveness, become a regression and indulgence. Be ready to take a leap of faith.