Rashi explains that the requirement of “kasis,” beaten, only applies to the oil used for the menorah. Oil which is used for menachos, meal offerings, does not have this stipulation. Horav S.Y. Zevin z.l. explains this halacha homiletically. The oil used for lighting the menorah symbolizes the light of Torah, while the oil used for the meal offerings represents man’s material sustenance. The Torah seems to admonish that “beaten” oil or “toiling” for the purpose of material sustenance is not a requirement. On the other hand, “ameilus”, toil, is an essential pre-requisite for Torah study and spiritual development.
Torah study and an occupation both require the individual to exert effort. There is one disparity between them. The labor one performs in the pursuit of Torah study is an end in itself, while labor in an occupational endeavor is merely a vehicle for reaching a goal. Indeed, the need to work by the “sweat of one’s brow” is the curse given to Adam Ha’ Rishon. Ameilus ba’Torah, toil in Torah study, is an integral component of the mitzvah.
The Talmud in Megillah 6b states, “If a man tells you I toiled (in Torah study) but I did not find (success), do not believe him.” What is the meaning of “do not believe him”? Let us open a sefer and test him for proficiency! The Kotzker Rebbe implied that “do not believe him” refers to his lack of success, since one who toils in Torah study will indisputably be successful. Torah study, because it is an end in itself, benefits an individual even if his level of erudition is basic.
“Beaten for light of the menorah” – Torah study requires toil and exertion. On the other hand, “not beaten for the meal offerings” -struggle and labor for material sustenance is not essential, although it is permissible. If the latter goal can be achieved in an effortless manner, it is obviously desirable and preferable.
