Perfecting Imperfection

Some blemishes, says the Sforno, make an animal stronger and worth more, and still it can never go on the mizbeach. Wouldn't Hashem want the best we have? The same question sits behind the kohen with a mum, and behind why we count the Omer up toward Shavuos and never count the fiftieth day.Drawing on Rav Zev Leff, the idea reaches a struggle every serious person knows: how much of the outcome is really in our hands, and what are we actually judged on? During Sefira, a friend with half a beard walks into a job interview he badly needs and gets the question he was dreading.