In this week’s parsha we find a description of the ketores. It was composed of eleven spices, and included in it was the helbina, which had a rather foul smell. Rashi explains that this is symbolic of including sinners among the members of our congregation on fast days.
Why is it so important to include the sinners in our davening? What are they adding? Imagine, we are getting ready to begin Kol Nidre on the eve of Yom Kippur and the Rav of the shul looks around the room and then steps outside to pull in some avaryanim (transgressors), so we can begin the Yom Kippur service. Why is this such a crucial element, without which the Talmud states a fast day would not be considered a fast day (Krisus 6b)?
Drash Dovid explains as follows. If we view Am Yisrael simply as a group of people comprised of a number of parts, then we would focus on the quality of each individual. Each quality individual adds to the goal. However, Am Yisrael is not just a group of individuals that come together, rather we are considered a guf ehad – one body or unit. That is why one individual can fulfill a mitzva on behalf of another. If I am missing a body part, I am lacking something. If I have a body part that is somewhat impaired, it is still better to retain that body part. Without that body part, I am blemished. Similarly, it is better to include the sinner, as he is still a member of Am Yisrael. Just as I am better off with a slightly impaired limb, so too I am better off as a nation with including a sinner rather than excluding him.
The Drash Dovid offers an additional insight. It seems from several statements of Chazal, that it is not just for the benefit of uniting the nation, but there seems to be something more. It is beneficial for the righteous themselves to include the transgressors. Somehow, even the tzadikim are uplifted by including the sinners. How does that work? As an example, we are required to take the four species. If we lack one of the 4 minim, we cannot fulfil the mitzva at all. It is not just having them as a unit – but only when they are taken together, they are uplifted to enable one to fulfil the mitzva. Chazal say – they each bring kappara for the other (Vayikra Raba 30:12).
When we have a tzibbur, everyone brings out the best in each other. When the sinners are present, they become recipients of the teachings of the tzadikim, who in turn are affected by their own teaching. Every Jew has untapped powers within him. When inspired, perhaps that hidden flame can be ignited. That is what the helbina accomplishes. Its foul smell is not swallowed and overpowered in the concoction of the other 10 spices, rather, the helbina brings out the best smell of the other spices. Similarly, the presence of the sinners brings out the best in the other members of the kahal. Either by being inspired by their joining, or through instructing the less observant, all benefit from their presence.
May we be respectful, accepting and welcoming to individuals whom we feel are less observant or who have different ideological beliefs, so that we can not only unite as a people, but so that we can each benefit and bring out the best in every individual.
