Rashi explains that a two-stage process was necessary to prepare the olive oil. The olives were first crushed to express the first oil, which was required for lighting the menorah. They were then ground up to extract additional oil, which could be used for the menachos, meal offerings, but was not suitable for the menorah. This is consistent with the Talmud in Menachos 86a which states, “Crushed oil is required for the menorah, but crushed oil is not required for the menachos.”
This halacha carries with it a simple, but profound, lesson. Horav Eliyahu Meir Kovner z.l., suggests that the Torah seeks to differentiate between an endeavor one performs for himself and one that he performs for the community.
Menachos are a meal offering from which one partakes. Because personal gratification is involved in this act, the Torah was not insistent that the oil used for the menachos be totally pure. The menorah, however, serves to bring spiritual illumination to the world. The menorah is lit for the purpose of inspiring others. When the goal is community oriented, one must be certain that every aspect of his endeavor is totally pure. When one assumes the responsibility for inspiring others — when he seeks to give of himself to illuminate the spiritual darkness within the hearts and souls of his Jewish brethren — he must deliberate whether his own heart and soul is free of imperfection. In order to qualify to inspire others, one must have sincere intentions and maintain an inviolate standard of ethical behavior.
