The Final Word of the Rama
My father, Alav HaShalom, passed away exactly a week before Purim. He often repeated a specific vort (Torah thought)—so often, in fact, that it became his "constant" teaching: Hu haya omer (He would regularly say). In honor of his Yahrzeit, I would like to share that message again, hoping it inspires us today just as it inspired him.
In the laws of Purim, the Rama (Rabbi Moses Isserles) discusses the status of Purim Katon—the 14th of Adar Rishon in a leap year. While the primary celebration occurs in the second Adar, the question arises: Is there an obligation to hold a festive meal on Purim Katon?
The Rama concludes that while it isn't a strict requirement, one should nevertheless increase in festive mood and hold at least a modest meal. He bases this on the verse in Proverbs: "V’tov lev mishteh tamid"—"A good-hearted person is always feasting." ### The Bookends of a Way of Life These words, "V’tov lev mishteh tamid," are not just the conclusion of the laws of Purim; they are the very final words of the entire Shulchan Aruch: Orach Chayim (The Way of Life).
My father pointed out a profound "Symmetry of Tamid" in the Shulchan Aruch. The very first paragraph of the code begins with a different constant: "Shivisi Hashem L’negdi tamid"—"I have set Hashem before me always." This creates a perfect spiritual "Sium" (conclusion). To live a life that is "fitting to the Will of the Creator," one must navigate between these two poles:
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The Beginning: The constant intellectual awareness of G-d's presence (Shivisi).
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The End: The constant emotional state of holy joy (Simcha).
The Two Daily Offerings
In the Holy Temple, the Torah commands the Korban Tamid—the constant offering. Two lambs were offered every single day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The Torah describes this as "U’shnei smidim k’hilchasom"—"Two constants according to their law."
Homiletically, my father explained that these "Two Constants" refer to the two pillars of the Shulchan Aruch. A Jew must bring a "Morning Offering" of Shivisi Hashem (Mindfulness) and an "Evening Offering" of V’tov Lev (Joy). When these two function together, the journey of life becomes a success.
Beyond the Elevation: The Goal of Chesed
To deepen this idea, the Rebbe explains a verse regarding the holiday offerings: "Milvad Olas ha-Boker" (In addition to the morning burnt offering). The word Milvad (מלבד) is an acronym for "Malveh L’ani B’shas Dochko"—"One who loans to a poor person in their time of need." The Rebbe explains that while prayer and sacrifices (Zevach) represent an Aliya—a spiritual elevation of the human soul toward G-d—the ultimate desire of G-d (Chafatzti) is Chesed. G-d wants the inspiration of our "Constants" to result in practical kindness here on earth.
Conclusion
This is our roadmap. If we can maintain the "Constant" of Joy (Simcha) and the "Constant" of Mindfulness (Shivisi Hashem), we fulfill the true purpose of our creation. May the memory of Nachum Ben Zvi Hirsch be a blessing, and may his teachings continue to light our way.
L’chaim, L’chaim, and a Freilichen Purim!