Vayikra: Rav Hirsch & The Netziv: Mitzvah 116 – Concept 361
“When a person offers a meal-offering to God, his offering shall be of fine flour; he shall pour oil upon it and place frankincense upon it.” (Leviticus 2:1)We are commanded to bring meal-offerings as prescribed in the Torah. (Rambam, Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot – The Laws of Sacrificial Procedure)
Rav Hirsch comments that the name “Mincha,” represents much more than an ordinary gift. It is a tribute to a superior. As the staple of the human diet, grain represents our very existence. The meal-offering proclaims the bearer’s acknowledgement that his life is in God’s hands.
The oil symbolizes comfort, and, the frankincense represents joy and satisfaction.
The Netziv comments that the Mincha is offered by someone who wishes to rid himself of undesirable characteristics such as anger, jealousy and greed. His way to self-improvement is to recognize God’s majesty and our total dependence.
My life is in God’s Hands.
My prayer and Torah study are expressions of joy and spiritual satisfaction.
I intend to use my prayer and Torah study to rid myself of undesirable characteristics.
I use all aspects of my relationship with God to recognize God’s Majesty.