“Better is a handful of tranquility than two handfuls of toil and futility.”
— Ecclesiastes
The Midrash offers a profound interpretation of this verse: The Holy One, blessed be He, says:
“The handful of flour that the poor man brings as his Minchah offering is more beloved to Me than the handful of incense offered by the High Priest in the Beis HaMikdash.”
Why? Because the poor man’s offering brings atonement, whereas the incense offering of the High Priest does not. In light of this teaching, our Sages explain in Talmud Bavli, Menachot that among all the offerings, only regarding the Minchah offering does the Torah state:
“ונפש כי תקריב” — “When a soul offers…”
Why does the Torah use the word “soul”? Because the Minchah offering was typically brought by a poor person who could afford nothing more than a small measure of flour. HaShem regards his humble offering as though he offered his very soul.
The incense offering of the High Priest, by contrast, was purchased from communal funds. Although it was lofty and precious in HaShem’s Eyes, it did not involve the same degree of personal sacrifice. HaShem cherishes the willingness of the poor man to give from the little that he possesses. His offering represents selflessness, devotion, and heartfelt sacrifice. Therefore, HaShem grants his Minchah the power to bring atonement.
This teaching carries a powerful message for every one of us. At times, we may feel that our service of HaShem is small when compared to the extraordinary accomplishments of others. We may imagine that our mitzvos, prayers, acts of kindness, or efforts in Torah learning are insignificant. But the Torah reveals otherwise.
HaShem does not measure greatness solely by outward magnitude. He measures the heart, the sacrifice, the effort, and the sincerity behind each act. Every struggle overcome, every small act of devotion, and every sincere mitzvah is treasured by HaShem beyond measure.
May the awareness of HaShem’s appreciation for every sincere effort inspire us to rejoice in all the mitzvos we perform and to serve Him with renewed joy and confidence. [Based on the commentary of the Torah Temimah]
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