PARSHAT - KORACH

As we read in the Torah portion of Korach, the kohanim, the priests, were given only the finest of all the offerings that were brought by the Jewish people. These contributions consisted of all kinds of commodities and were of the hightest quality.

Likewise, every Jew must dedicate the better part of himself to his Divine service.

Maimonides writes: "The law, as it pertains to everything that is for the sake of G-d, is that it must come from the finest and the best. For example, when one is feeding a hungry person, he should be served the tastiest and sweetest food on one's table. When one clothes a poor man, he should be given the nicest garment. When one builds a house of prayer, the edifice should be more beautiful than one's private abode, as it states, 'All the best to the L-rd.' "

Another commodity to be dedicated to G-d, is time.

Time is extremely precious; it is therefore fitting that a person dedicate the very best portion of the day to G-d.

In the morning, the beginning of our day, when our mind is still at ease it is the most appropriate time of day to dedicate ourselves to holy matters.

One way to do this is to thank G-d immediately upon arising by declaring "Modeh Ani," thanking Him for having restored our souls. Another way is to reserve the first few hours of the day for prayer and Torah study.

Just as the contributions that were made to the priests were of the highest quality, so too must the very best of whatever we possess be reserved for our service of G-d. For it is in this manner that we merit the fulfillment of the Priestly Blessing, "May the L-rd bless you and guard you".
Shabbat Shalom!