Oil represents bittul. Complete self-nullification—bittul b’metzius—comes specifically through a revelation from above, represented by Eretz Yisrael. Therefore, the finest oil must come specifically from Eretz Yisrael.
“Regev is second to it.” Although the holiness of the eastern side of the Jordan came through human effort, the Divine revelation itself was still drawn down from above. It is therefore “second to it,” for even there the level of bittul b’metzius can be attained.
On the verse, “We captured all his cities…all the region of Argov,” Rashi explains that “Argov” means a royal palace.
The Mishnah states:
“Tekoa is first and choicest for oils. Abba Shaul says: Regev, on the eastern side of the Jordan, is second to it.”
My father explains that Regev refers to the region of Argov. Oil represents Chochmah, and this region therefore belonged to Yair ben Menashe, whose name is related to or, light, corresponding to Chochmah.
The explanation according to Chassidus is as follows:
Oil represents bittul. When bittul is achieved through a person’s own avodah, it is only bittul hayesh—the nullification of one’s sense of self while the self still remains.
True bittul, bittul b’metzius, in which one’s independent existence is entirely nullified, can come only through a revelation from above. This is represented by Eretz Yisrael, “a land upon which the eyes of Hashem your G‑d are always directed.”
Therefore, the place that is first and choicest for oil must specifically be in Eretz Yisrael.
Abba Shaul, however, says, “Regev is second to it.”
The holiness of the eastern side of the Jordan came through human avodah—the request of the tribes of Gad and Reuven. Nevertheless, the Divine revelation drawn there came from above, although it followed and resulted from human effort.
It is therefore “second to” Eretz Yisrael. Even there, the level of bittul b’metzius can be attained.
In Maseches Middos, regarding the chamber in the southwestern corner of the Beis HaMikdash, Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov says:
“I have forgotten what purpose it served.”
Abba Shaul says:
“Wine and oil were stored there, and it was called the Chamber of the House of Oils.”
My father explains that this chamber corresponds to the level of Yesod of Zeir Anpin, where forgetfulness is possible. Abba Shaul, corresponding to Yesod Abba as it is invested within Yesod of Zeir Anpin, explains that oil was stored there. Oil restores memory.
Although wine can bring about forgetfulness, that itself is the point: the level of oil is drawn into the level of wine.
This is also the connection to the statement, “Regev is second to it.” On the eastern side of the Jordan, which represents bittul hayesh, the higher level of bittul b’metzius is drawn down.
The Lesson
Wine represents understanding and pleasure in Torah, while oil represents the bittul required in Torah study. Both must be present in the same chamber, simultaneously.
Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov said, “I have forgotten what purpose it served.” This indicates that the study did not lead to a practical halachic conclusion.
Abba Shaul therefore explained that wine and oil must be joined together: the pleasure and understanding of Torah must be united with bittul, so that the learning will lead to actual practice.