Ki-Tisa
"Sound is good for incense" (The daily prayers)
This puzzling statement is found in connection with this week's Parsha, describing the service that took place in the Temple known as the Ketoret, or incense offering.
In order for the Ketoret to be fit for use, it had to be finely ground. As the verse states: "You shall crush some of it very finely." (Shemot 30:36)
In elaborating on the preparation process and grinding method, the Talmud tells us the following: "It was taught: Rabbi Natan said, when he would grind the incense he would say, 'Grind it fine, finely grind it' because the sound is good for incense."
That quote is a familiar one, as it is part of the daily liturgy. Yet, there is no explanation given for why sound is actually beneficial for incense.
The Abarbanel, in his commentary to the Parsha, offers a very interesting possibility.
When grinding the incense, the goal was to have all of it ground uniformly. This, of course, was dependent on all of the incense being ground or crushed in an equal manner.
Since this was all done manually, some of the crushing motions may have been done with more or less force than others, which would cause the incense to be unevenly ground. Some of it would be thicker or thinner than others.
This is where the sound helped out. By calling out and creating a noise, this provided a constant measurement of sorts.
The one banging would try and calibrate each blow to create the same sound as the one calling out; thus, ensuring that each blow would be the same, and the incense would all be ground equally fine.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.