On the other hand, a person who starts to slide towards irrational behavior or insanity loses recognition and contact with the simple, normal things. The deranged individual must be reminded to take care of himself, to eat, to dress appropriately. Prior to the episode of the golden calf, the Jewish people exhibited normal behavior. There was no need to remind them to do something as core and basic as keeping the Sabbath. Observance should have been a natural subconscious act. We find that the issues of the time that drew rebukes and lectures by gedolei Yisrael like the Noda B’Yehuda or the Chasam Sofer involved important but relatively insignificant such as pursuit of fancy clothing, jewelry, use of mirrors, or dedicating more time to studying Torah, in other words, luxury items. They never had to lecture their communities about core principles like Sabbath or prayer.
A sane nation needs to be told about higher type luxuries like the Tabernacle, how to maintain it, how to perform the daily service and to offer sacrifices. It does not need constant reminders about core pre-requisites like the Sabbath. At the end of the instructions on the Tabernacle, luxury commandments, Hashem told Moshe to make sure they don’t lose focus on the Sabbath when they build the Tabernacle. When they constructed the golden calf they became insane, their value system became perverted. What was most important became insignificant, while the insignificant assumed new prominence. A sane person would employ his wealth to ensure that his children have the best possible Jewish education.
Spending on luxuries like expensive clothing or homes should be the last thing pursued in order to ensure proper focus on implementing the real priorities. After the golden calf episode and their associated insanity, Moshe realized that there was no use to instruct them about the Tabernacle if they have lost sight of the Sabbath. It is pure insanity to desecrate the Sabbath to earn a meager profit and donate major sums to a temple. This sign of insanity applied in the times of Moshe as well today. Moshe realized that he needed to restore their sanity, and the first step in that direction was to reiterate the importance of the Sabbath.
In America, another example of misplaced emphasis is the focus placed on reciting Kaddish. While it is a very important and praiseworthy act that demonstrates respect for one’s parents, it is not as important as Sabbath or Jewish education.
The blessing of Borei Nefashos Rabos initially thanks Hashem for the basics and only afterwards do we thank Him for the luxury items we have. Emphasis on the core set of commandments that are truly essential for the continuity of the Jewish nation is an important lesson in maintaining a sane Jewish Life. Only then can we look to take on additional responsibilities.