In the previous article we discussed how the preparing of the Menorah was done in two stages; the first five candles, followed by the remaining two. They were separated by the offering of the Ketores in between. This follows the opinion of the sages.
According to Abba Shaul, the Ketores was only offered after all of the candles had been prepared. In his view, the Avodah that separated between the preparation of the candles of the Menorah was the application of the blood of the Tamid to the corners of the Mizbeach.
In the order of the Korbanos in our daily prayers, we recite the order of the Tamid in accordance with the opinion of Abba Shaul, “the preparation of the five candles preceded the blood of the Tamid and the blood of the Tamid preceded the preparation of the two candles”.
However, in the Yom Kippur Musaf, when we describe the Yom Kippur Avodah of the Kohen Gadol in the Beis Hamikdash, the order follows the opinion of the sages; “He would enter to prepare the five candles and to offer the morning Ketores and to prepare the two remaining candles.”
Drawing down the essence of the soul (represented by the Ketores) into our daily, mundane, conscious living (represented by the seven lamps of the Menorah) is a very lofty Avodah. We are not all capable of reaching such great heights, certainly not on a sustained, daily basis.
Like the order of Abba Shaul, our primary daily Avodah is to focus on curbing the desires and negative character traits of our animalistic soul, represented by the blood of the Tamid.
But at certain times, like Yom Kippur, when the essence of the soul is revealed, we can connect to its powerful devotion to Hashem and harness its energy to infuse our daily lives, following the sequence of the sages.
~ Based on Sefer Hasichos Tetzaveh 5752
