“This is My G-d and I Will Glorify Him”
Zeh Keli Ve-anvehu
The title of this essay (zeh Keli ve-anvehu) is taken from a verse in Parshat Beshalach, and we derive from it the concept of beautifying a mitzva (hiddur mitzva). This includes such diverse practices as decorating the sukkah, buying a nice lulav and etrog, using an exquisite shofar on Rosh Hashanah, wearing a beautiful tallit, and more. Not only should we beautify mitzva objects themselves (sukkah, lulav, shofar), but we should also beautify the objects which come into contact with them. Therefore, not only were ribbons tied around the first fruits that were brought to the Temple, but the wagons transporting the fruit were also decorated, and even the ox leading the procession. Although hiddur usually involves beautifying an object, sometimes it refers to increasing appreciation for a mitzva. So, for example, we are forbidden to eat in the afternoon before the Pesach seder, so that we will have a hearty appetite for matzah at the seder.
Our Sages disagree as to whether the obligation to beautify mitzvot is biblical (hence the verse cited above) or rabbinic. An intermediate opinion is that the mitzva is biblical, but the rabbis are empowered to define the specifics of what qualifies as a hiddur. This difference in opinion has practical ramifications in situations when the obligation of hiddur conflicts with other obligations, whether they are biblical or rabbinic.
For example, what if a person’s current etrog is a simple one, but he knows that in the course of the day he will have access to a more beautiful one? Should he fulfill the mitzva of lulav and etrog in the morning, following the general principle that those who are enthusiastic perform mitzvot as soon as possible (zerizim makdimim le-mitzvot), or should he wait in order to use the more beautiful etrog? Of course, in this case he has the possibility of doing the mitzva of lulav and etrog twice that day. However, there are other cases where this is not a possible solution. For example, let us say a person is planning to use plain wax candles in his Chanukah menorah, and he has already melted the bottoms into the holders to make sure the candles are stable. Now someone brings him quality olive oil, which is the preferred (mehudar) fuel for lighting. Should he remove the candles, or would doing so be considered treating a mitzva disrespectfully?