Rabbi Sholom Twerski
July 3, 2026
Towards the end of the Parsha, we encounter the familiar portion dealing with the communal Korbanos that are brought regularly in the Beis Hamikdash. After the daily tamid, the Torah introduces the sacrifices which are brought on special days of the year- Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh, and Yomim Tovim. As opposed to the numerous offerings which are brought on Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov, the Korban Mussaf of Shabbos consisted only of two sheep – both of them a Korban Olah. What do these two sheep represent? R’ Moshe Feinstein zt”l points out that Shabbos is the foundation of Emunah. When we observe Shabbos, we are in essence, declaring that the entire universe was created by Hashem and everything is His. This is, furthermore, an impetus to serve Him.
Our service of Hashem must be on two different and complementary levels. It must be with both Ahava and Yirah, both with Love and Awe. Tosafos in Meseches Sota brings from the Yerushalmi that while serving out of love may be a higher level, it is still necessary to serve Him also with Awe. If one just has love, he or she may say to themselves that we can relax. Hashem loves us and is understanding. Surely, He’ll let some things slide by. Such thinking is wrong and dangerous. We must commit ourselves to Him fully, drawing on our fear and awe of Him when we would think to shirk our responsibilities.
The Mishna in Pirkei Avos (1:3) says that Antignos Ish Socho says, “Do not be like servants who serve the master in the expectation of receiving a reward, but be like servants who serve the master without the expectation of receiving a reward,” which many commentators understand to mean that one should serve Hashem out of love. Yet, in his concluding statement, he continues, “…and let the fear of Heaven be upon you.” Even after a person has developed love of Hashem in their heart, they should be careful to maintain feelings of Yiras Hashem.
R’ Daniel Staum points out that this is reflected in Shabbos davening as well. Throughout the davening, we have such expressions as “With love and desire, you have given us this gift of Shabbos.” Shabbos is a day of delight, a taste of the World to Come, a day of peace and tranquility. Yet, on Friday night davening, we declare “Before Him we serve with Awe and Fear.” We maintain a blend of both in our Service of Hashem as both of them are equally necessary for a perfect Avodah.
Before we received the Torah, Hashem speaks to us with such endearing terms. We will be a treasure to Him. From among all the nations, we are uplifted to be a Holy Nation. Yet, we are warned to keep our distance. When Hashem’s Presence rests on the mountain, no one may step on it. We were seized with trembling and sweat poured down our bodies. It was a beautiful, yet terrifying experience.
May we build our connection to Hashem in both ways and rise to His service embracing and accepting all the nuances it entails.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!