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Parashath Huqqath: Why is "Lemor" stated twice?

Rabbi Ya'aqob Menashe
Friday, July 3, 2009/Tammuz 11, 5769
The first two Pesuqim (verses) of Parashath Huqqath both contain the word Lemor (saying). "Waydabber H' Il Moshe We-Il Ahraron Lemor" and "Zoth Huqqath Hattorah Asher Siwwah H' Lemor" ("G-d spoke to Moses and Aaron saying" and "This is the decree of the Torah that G-d commanded saying"). It seems unnecessary, so why is it repeated?

One explanation is that it comes to teach us a lesson about how to behave when it comes to the observance of the commandments (Miswoth). All the commandments that we are obligated to perform, even though some may seem difficult or harsh to us, should be performed as if they were sweet, because of our love of G-d.

For example, when Abraham Abinu, 'a"h, who epitomized loving kindness, was told to sacrifice his son to G-d, the son he had waited for till he was 100 years old, despite the intense difficulty that anyone would have in fulfilling this commandment, he not only felt no sadness, but Razal (our Rabbis of blessed memory) tell us that it was as if he were walking his son to the Huppah. This is because that is what G-d commanded him and he was happy to do the will of G-d.

That is why Lemor is written twice. If the word is split into two it reads Lo Mar (not bitter). This teaches us that we should not feel bitterness or difficulty performing a Miswah that goes against our nature. But rather, it must be sweet and pleasant.

(See 'Od Yoseph Hai Derashoth, Parashath Huqqath)

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