The inclination to be orderly is an essential prerequisite for achieving shleimus, completion, in character development. One who is generally lethargic in his attitude and thoughtless in executing his responsibilities is often a confused person. Such an individual is frequently unreliable and inconsiderate. It is vital for an individual to have a systematized approach to planning out his daily endeavor, so that he can set priorities and act upon them accordingly.
Horav Simcha Zissel M’Kelm z.l. cites several sources from Chazal to illustrate this point. The heads of the yeshivos in Bavel were crowned with the title of “reish sidrah” or master of order. This indicates that the Rosh Ha’yeshivah was also responsible for inspiring the maintenance of seder, order, in the yeshivah. In another context, regarding the halacha of the arba minim, four species used on Succos, we note that a hadas shoteh, wild myrtle, is invalid for the mitzvah. It is a branch whose leaves grow in disarray. Only those branches upon which the leaves of each bud grow in the same cross section are kosher for the mitzvah. In another area of halacha, we find that a shochet who pauses momentarily from making a smooth, constant shechitah, renders the shechitah invalid. One drop of water is the determining factor in rendering a mikvah kosher or non-kosher.
In the Bais Ha’mikdash, the individual functions of the kohanim and leviim were clearly distinguished from one another, so that no one would perform a function not ascribed specifically to him. Indeed, even within the various families of Shevet Levi, each had a distinct rule which was the family’s personal obligation to fulfill. To deviate from this seder is to incur a grave punishment. To perform a mitzvah in a listless and disorderly fashion is to denigrate the neshamah, soul, of the mitzvah. To perform a mitzvah in a vibrant and disciplined manner is to elevate the mitzvah to new heights.
