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4,093. The Oil for the Menorah

Hilchos Issurei Mizbeiach 7:10

Regarding the nine types of oil in the preceding halachos, only those in categories 1, 4 and 7 may be used for the Menorah. This is as per Exodus 27:20: “crushed for light.” The Menorah can only be lit with oil that flows after crushing alone (as opposed to after subsequent pressing), but all nine types of oil are fit for the flour offerings.

Hilchos Issurei Mizbeiach 7:11

Even though all nine types of oil may be used, they’re listed in groups so that we might know the best type to use, as well as those that are equal and which are lesser. With this information, a person who wants to earn merit, conquer his yetzer hara and act more generously can bring his offering of the highest-quality materials. Genesis 4:4 teaches: “Abel brought from the choicest and fattest of his flocks, and Hashem turned to Abel and his offering.” This is the case with everything that we give to God, who is good: It should be attractive and of the highest quality. If one builds a shul, it should be a nicer building than his house. If one feeds the hungry, he should give them some of the best and most delicious food on his table. If one clothes the naked, he should do so with nice clothes. And when consecrating something, one should do so from his highest quality possessions. Regarding this, Leviticus 3:16 teaches that “everything choice is for God.”

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