Parshat Tetzaveh
February 14, 2003

Mizmor Letodah II

The next verse in Mizmor Letodah is “Ivdu et Hashem besimcha bou lefanav birnanah – Serve Hashem with joy and come before Him in jubilation”. The Malbim explains the difference between simcha-joy and reena-jubilation. He writes that simcha – joy is a continuous state of achieved happiness and reena - jubilation is a bursting cry of a joy of the moment. This prayer reflects the feelings of one who is bringing the Thanksgiving Offering to G-d in the Temple. He / she feels both a continuous state of happiness – simcha as well as a sudden rush of joy – reena as well.

There is another verse located in the High Holidays liturgy that states – “Ivdu et Hashem Beyirah …. Serve G-d in fear/awe”. The two pesukim seem to contradict one another. When one is joyous he is generally not fearful, and when one is scared she is anything but happy. These two definitive statements encourage completely different approaches to service of Hashem. Should one be in a state of fear or joy?

The Etz Yosef, a commentary on the Siddur explains the matter in the following way. - No one welcomes a painful struggle; however when the reward is perceived as commensurate or greater then the struggle, the challenge can become a pleasure. Utilizing this principle the resolution of the two verses becomes clearer. The phrase – “Ivdu et Hashem Beyirah – Serve G-d with awe/fear directs how to view service of G-d in general. It should be done with a sense of awe, reverence, and fear of missing the opportunity. The reward will surely be Yirat Hashem – a level of awe/fear of G-d. Once this is understood, now we read the next verse- “Ivdu et Hashem Besimcha – Serve G-d with joy” because understanding the cosmic and eternal implications of the reward(s) of serving Hashem and attaining yirat Shamayim- awe of G-d encourage a simply joyful approach to G-d, Torah, and Mitzvoth.

May we all merit to experience joy and fulfillment in our service to G-d.

Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Ephraim Epstein

*Helpful Hint* Jot down some of the interpretations you learn into the margins of your personal siddur. This will enable you to access and utilize these and other Tefilla tips more easily.