The Candy Man

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

More than 80 years of oppression had passed. Finally the Egyptians were being punished for enslaving the Jews. First the Nile was turned into blood; then a plague of frogs infested the land.

Interestingly, when the frogs observed the directive to infest Egypt, the frogs went everywhere. They even risked their lives by jumping into the burning hot ovens. In this way they displayed how a creature can observe G-d’s command with utmost dedication.

The story of the frogs became a paradigm of how a creature can go the extra mile to sanctify G-d’s Name. The lesson of the frogs, and the fact that they were praised for their behavior, comes up in an incident hundreds of years later.

Shortly after the first Temple was destroyed, the wicked King Nevuchadnetzar fashioned an icon to which he wanted everyone to bow. Many Jews fled so that they would not have to bow. But there were three great Jews who chose to remain in the area so that they could refuse to bow. Even if they would be punished, they wished to sanctify G-d’s holy Name.

These three Jews- Chananya, Mishoel, and Azarya- took their cue from the frogs. The frogs were not technically obligated to jump into the hot ovens. They could have fulfilled G-d’s directive by assaulting the Egyptians in other ways. The fact that the Torah praised the behavior of the frogs, indicated to Chananya, Mishoel, and Azarya that they too were permitted to risk their lives in order to sanctify G-d’s Name. They were allowed to go the extra mile for the mitzvah even if it meant that Nevuchadnetzar might punish or kill them.

Amazingly, the Talmud relates, both the frogs and these three great Jews were miraculously saved. G-d took their dedication into account and granted them salvation. In a most miraculous event, G-d protected them so that the fire did not hurt them.

The need to risk one’s life for the sake of a mitzvah is, thank G-d, not a common occurrence. But the principle of going beyond the letter of the law is one we can implement in our daily lives. Whether a bit of dedication and creativity there are countless opportunities to sanctify G-d’s Name in daily life.

Often we encounter a mitzvah that can technically be fulfilled in a simple way. Yet we know that with a bit more effort the mitzvah will become so much more meaningful. Consider, for example, the way people adorn the Shabbos table. We all know that the Shabbos meal can be fulfilled with some grape juice and a simple meal. But the Jewish way is to extend ourselves for the sake of a mitzvah. G-d, in turn, sees our dedication and rewards us for it.

Sometimes the expression of love for a mitzvah isn’t a call for spending money, but rather for spending our time in a generous way. I recall with fondness a lesson that I learned when I was studying in the yeshiva in Lakewood. At that time I was studying with one of the Rabbis of the community who sometimes got delayed because of his communal responsibilities. On this particular day he arrived two hours late.

It so happened that on that day I had to leave promptly to make an appointment. When my Rebbe walked in, I explained that I really had to leave. I was already putting on my coat when he asked me if I could stay for just five minutes. I took off my coat, and sat down to learn. What a wondrous experience it was. Questions that had bothered us for days were suddenly resolved with this refreshing reread of the passage. The breakthroughs were so remarkable, that when we finished the passage, I eyed my Rebbe quizzically; my questioning eyes begged for an explanation.

My Rebbe looked at me and said, “when you go the extra mile for a mitzvah, G-d throws candies.”

So the next time you encounter a mitzvah opportunity, ask yourself if there is a way to further enhance the mitzvah experience. Sometimes it is through time, sometimes it is through money. As a Jew, you should not just do mitzvos. Extend yourself for mitzvos; treasure them. May all your mitzvos find favor in the eyes of G-d. May you merit to earn candies from the Divine.

© 2015 by TEACH613™