1. The Two Constant Offerings in the Beis Hamikdash
This week’s parsha discusses the shnei timidim—the two constants. In the times of the Beis Hamikdash, there were two sacrifices brought every single day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These daily offerings were called korban tamid—the constant offering, because they were brought without fail, day in and day out.
The concept of constancy is central here. Just as these sacrifices were a fixed part of each day in the Temple, so too do we have daily practices that reflect this idea of regularity and commitment.
2. The Connection to Daily Tefillah
The structure of our daily prayers is modeled after these two korbanot tamid. We have tefillah in the morning and in the afternoon, corresponding to the two daily offerings. In addition, there is an evening prayer, which serves as an extra supplement to these two core prayers.
This parallel reminds us that even though we no longer have a physical Beis Hamikdash or a mizbeach—altar—to bring offerings on, our prayers serve as their spiritual counterpart. Through our tefillos, we maintain a connection to the service that was once performed with actual sacrifices.
3. The Two Spiritual Constants from Shulchan Aruch
My father, of blessed memory, would often quote from the Rebbe’s talks about another dimension to these two constants. He would say that there are “two constants” that every Jew should strive for in their spiritual life: shnei timidim kil chasam—the two constants done properly.
If you look at the very beginning of Shulchan Aruch—the Code of Jewish Law—the first words are a verse: shivisi Hashem l’negdi tamid—“I place Hashem before me always.” This teaches us to live with constant awareness of Hashem’s presence, knowing that there is Someone in charge and that we are accountable for our actions.
4. The Joyful Heart at the End of Shulchan Aruch
The end of Orachayim, the first section of Shulchan Aruch, concludes with another verse: tov leiv mishta tamid—“a good heart is always celebrating.” This comes up in connection with a discussion about whether certain days are considered holidays or not—specifically regarding Purim Katan on the 14th or 15th of Adar Rishon. The resolution is that if you have a question about making a celebration, go ahead and do so—a good heart is always ready for joy.
This teaches us that just as we must always be mindful of Hashem’s presence, we should also strive to maintain a state of happiness and celebration in our lives.
5. Living with Both Constants: Awareness and Joy
The lesson my father would draw from this is that these are our “two timidim”—our two spiritual constants: always placing Hashem before us (shivisi Hashem l’negdi tamid) and always maintaining a joyful heart (tov leiv mishta tamid). These principles bookend our code of Jewish living and serve as guideposts for how to approach each day.
If we can live with both awareness of Hashem and constant joy, then we truly embody what it means to serve Hashem with constancy—even without a physical Beis Hamikdash or korbanos. May we merit to internalize both these lessons in our daily lives.