One of the first directives in Kedoshim is the warning against Pigul-or the failure to eat the meat of a sacrifice known as a Shlamim. The Torah says, Chap. 19
“On the day of sacrifice, it shall be eaten and on the next day, but if it is left over, until the third day, it shall be burned. If it is eaten on the third day, it is vile and not accepted. Anyone who eats it, has sinned. It is profane.”
This is a strange way to start a parsha filled with so many other beautiful ideas, like Peah, Leket, not dealing improperly in business, just weights and measures. Why does the parsha start with Pigul? I think the answer is “time management.” To be a holy Jew, to do mitzvos, chesed, learn, go the gym, spend time with your children, have a coffee with your wife all requires good time management. All things in their proper time. Pigul reminds us that although we no longer eat shlamim meat, we still must be aware of time and “eat” all things in their proper time and manner.
As usual the Shikker Dovid is spot on. Koheles wasn’t just writing fodder for the Byrds to plagerise: everything has its time- Don’t waste a single second…you’ll never get it back
What I find interesting is the dichotemy between piggul (you want to eat it days later) and chutz l’mikomo (you want to eat the food in its proper time, but outside of the Bais HaMikdosh (“BM”)). The penalty for piggul is karet while the penalty for the latter is a standard lav. Why is eating the meat in the right place so much worse than eating it on time but elsewhere?
I have a theory. In reality, eating the food outside of the BM can be easier to justify, ie the weather is foul, you want to eat the food inside your home, etc. The ‘desire’ to do so can be an easier pull. After all, we’ve all most-likely been to Jerusalem during the Spring/Summer and it can be stifling at times.
However the desire to eat the food outside of its appropriate time is a harder desire to justify. You don’t know what the weather will be like, and more importantly, you’ll be eating older, less-fresh meat, in a courtyard full of other Kohanim who are enjoying fresh meat. On the surface its illogical and contrary to normal desire. Hense the harsher punishment.
Thoughts?
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