Aharon was commanded to burn the Ketores at the same time that he cleaned the lamps of the Menorah. Is there some significance to performing these two seemingly unrelated aspects of the avodah together? Horav David Feinstein, Shlita, cites Chazal who say the burning of the Ketores atoned for the sin of lashon hora. The Menorah, on the other hand, was the symbol of limud ha’Torah. The Menorah is the remedy for the sin of lashon hora. One who studies Torah will invariably sanctify his entire body, including his power of speech. How can he use the mouth that studies Torah to slander another Jew? How can he defile his G-d-given power of speech? This represents the essence of Torah.
We may supplement this idea when we take into consideration that it was specifically the cleaning of the Menorah that was performed at the same time as the burning of the Ketores. One should view the preparation for the lighting as being an integral part of the lighting. Likewise, one’s attitude and approach towards Torah study from the time of preparation will affect the actual learning. In fact, the attitude is the most critical. If one approaches Torah study as an exercise in mental gymnastics, it will not be an endeavor that sanctifies him. If, however, from the very onset his approach is one of kedushah and taharah, holiness and purity, it will have a dual effect on him, protecting him from sin.
