Parsha Mitzvot: Shemini: Mitzvah 156 – Concept 323

“Moses said to Aaron and to his sons Elazar and Ithamar, ‘Do not leave your heads unshorn, and do not rend your garments that you shall not die and He become wrathful with the entire assembly (Vayikra 10:6).” A Kohen must not enter the Temple with torn clothes (Rambam, Hilchot Bi’at Mikdash – The Laws of Entering the Temple)

One must enter his Service of God with joy, excitement and dignity. One should make sure that his home is filled with such joy so that it can be a proper environment for Service of God.  (Rabbi Menachem ha-Bavli)

One must be certain that the garments he creates for his soul with his Mitzvot, Torah study and prayer, are beautiful and not frayed, missing parts because the service was not performed with a full heart. (Shelah ha-Kodesh)