Page 555 - BERESHIT

Every Jew is surrounded with opportunities to do mitzvot on a daily basis.
Even after we learn self-control, we are admonished to continue to add to
our repertoire of mitzvot and surround ourselves with their good deeds.

This is what Yaakov told Reuven. It is not enough that you once showed
restraint over your impulses. We need to be persistent, and continue to
control our baser nature, under all situations.

When Yosef was thrown into the pit, Reuven stepped forward to save his
life. He had no resentment over the fact that Rachel, Yosef’s mother, took
the mandrakes that he so lovingly brought his mother Leah. Nor did he
show jealousy over Yosef’s position in his father’s eyes. Reuven also set
into motion a train of events which brought the family together and
solidified them as a unit. Through his actions, both Leah and Rachel were
blessed with children.

On Chanukah, we read about the inauguration of the Mishkan. For the
first twelve days, each Shevet brought an offering in the Mishkan. This
unified the Shevatim. When we all do our part in serving Hashem, it raises
our individual status to being part of a collective whole, one nation serving
G-d. In order to reach complete mitzvah observance, we must have
unconditional achdut.

The Hasmonean victory helped Am Yisrael to return to their roots. Am
Yisrael united under the banner of Divine service, and love and harmony
prevailed.