Torah Portion: Vayikra
…for you shall not cause to go up in smoke from any leavening or fruit-honey as a fire-offering to Hashem (Vayikra 2:11).
It is a negative commandment to not offer leaven or honey on the Altar, as it is written, for you shall not cause to go up in smoke from any leavening or fruit-honey as a fire-offering to Hashem (Vayikra 2:11). The “honey” mentioned in this verse is a broad term that refers to the well-known [Biblical] “honey,” which is date-honey [i.e., paste or nectar], the standard type of “honey” mentioned in the Torah. The same law, however, applies to all type of nectar that are derived from sweet fruit. This prohibition also extends to not mixing any [fruit derivatives] in the Ketores preparation.
The roots of this mitzvah are extremely obscure, and it is difficult to find even a slight hint [as to its inner meaning]. Yet we may suggest ideas from which we could derive ethical lessons. We might say: All the aspects of Offerings are designed to arouse the thoughts of the person bringing them, so, for example, we should avoid chametz, which is made with a very slow process. This will teach the person that he must acquire for himself the trait of alacrity and speed when serving Hashem.
As for avoiding fruit-honey, we may say that it is a message to the person that he ought to minimize his pursuit of sweet foods, as gluttonous and indulging people are wont to do; instead, he should consider only those types of food that are beneficial to his body and are needed for his nourishment or that protect his health. This is what every intelligent person should think about with regard to his food and drink — not the enjoyment of his gullet.
This mitzvah applies when the Holy Temple stands, to kohanim, for they are the ones who are designated for the [Temple] service.
