Our efforts in fulfilling one mitzvah always contribute to the fulfillment of another. This concept is highlighted in Parshas B’Haaloscha, where the unique mitzvah of Pesach Sheini is introduced.
During the time of the first anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt, some individuals expressed concern and complained about their inability to participate in the upcoming Pesach celebration due to impurity. They felt diminished and left out, questioning why they should be omitted from the joyous occasion.
Moshe Rabbeinu, unsure of how to respond, sought guidance from Hashem. Hashem acknowledged the validity of their concerns and established Pesach Sheini, a second Pesach to be observed one month later, specifically for those who were impure during the initial celebration.
Sforno, an esteemed commentator, explains that the essence of the people’s complaint stemmed from their understanding of the principle “mitzvah goreres mitzvah” – one mitzvah leads to the performance of another. They recognized the value and joy derived from fulfilling mitzvos, even though Pesach itself was not an easy mitzvah to observe. They refused to accept exemption, desiring to partake in the mitzvah and feeling a sense of loss without it.
This episode in Parshas B’Haaloscha reminds us of the privilege and fortune we have in living a life of mitzvos. It teaches us that if circumstances prevent us from fulfilling a particular mitzvah, we should feel a genuine sense of diminishment. We should appreciate the value and interconnectedness of mitzvos, striving to engage in them to the best of our abilities. Our dedication to one mitzvah will always lead us to the performance of others, enhancing our spiritual growth and connection to the Divine.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
Amnon ben Rivkah
Yosef Chaim ben Rivkah Rachel
Rafael Yaakov ben Ayelet
Daniel Aharon ben Davida
Yaakov Yisrael Pinchas ben Tovah
Eliezer Yosef ben Avivah Chanah
Yitzchak ben Mazal Tov
Refael Chayim Meir ben Sima Chasha
Esther Rivkah Chanah bas Tamar
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Jaleh Sarah bas Victoria Devorah
Adinah bas Chanah
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.