A More Beautiful Mitzvah

Question

Hi Rabbi,

Is a mitzvah, a mitzvah or are there “quality levels” of a mitzvah? For example, does it make a difference whether I use a glass cup for Kiddush or if I use silver? I can afford it but wonder what the difference would be, if any.

Thanks

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The answer is found in the teachings of our Rabbis from some two thousand years ago. “Beautify the mitzvahs.” For example, this would mean to buy a beautiful mezuzah and to buy a beautiful cup for Kiddush – such as a silver cup. Beautifying the mitzvah would also include buying a better quality grape juice or wine, providing the people drinking it enjoy it more. Likewise, a more beautiful mezuzah would include a mezuzah parchment written by a scribe with more beautiful writing, as well as better quality parchment and a more aesthetic writing ability.

    The underlying reason for doing a mitzvah in a more beautiful way is a mitzvah reflects on our relationship with God, the Giver of the Torah and mitzvahs. The more that a person puts into doing a mitzvah – including a reasonable extra cost to upgrade it – shows the person’s love for the mitzvah and its Giver.

    In summary, being generous when fulfilling a mitzvah is a way to “glorify God” by showing a great desire to have a close and loving relationship with Him. Therefore, a silver Kiddush cup is a truly wonderful idea. In fact, it is a universal custom to use a silver cup with artistic engraving for Kiddush to beautify the mitzvah.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team