Tzav – Page 12 – Peninim on the Torah

This is the law of the (korban) Chatas, Sin-Offering; in the place where the (korban) Olah, Elevation-Offering is slaughtered shall the Sin-Offering be slaughtered. (6:18)

The Torah teaches us that we are to slaughter the Korban Chatas in the same place as the Korban Olah–in the northern part of the courtyard. In the Yerushalmi Yevamos 5:3, Chazal comment that the purpose of slaughtering the Olah in the same location as the Chatas is to minimize the publicity that might follow the sinner who seeks to repent and offer his contrition. The Korban Olah was not necessarily brought for any sin or wrongdoing, but rather as a gift to Hashem, especially if one had inappropriate thoughts that left him feeling guilty. Since one rarely escapes sinful…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5757

Any (korban) Chatas from which some blood has been brought to the Ohel Moed, to effect atonement within the Holy shall not be eaten; it shall be burned in fire. (6:23)

Horav Raphael Katz, zl, the author of the Marpé Lashon, infers a profound lesson in avodas Hashem, service to the Almighty from this pasuk. There are instances during a man’s spiritual growth when, with all good intention, he attempts to “jump the gun” and ascend to a higher spiritual plane for which he is not yet ready. A man must build upon a solid foundation of spiritual development. Otherwise, everything he has done–even his previous accomplishments–will lose its integrity. He proves his thesis from the fact that if a Korban Chatas is offered inside the Heichal, the blood is invalid…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5757

This is the law of the (korban) Olah, Elevation-offering, the (korban) Minchah, Meal-offering, the (korban) Chatas, Sin-of fering. (7:37)

In the Talmud Menachos 110, Chazal comment that one who studies Torah does not need to bring a Korban Olah, Minchah, or Asham. The Torah study in itself serves as a vehicle for atonement. The Kotzker Rebbe, zl, once said, “I thought I would have chassidim who would not listen to the enticements of the yetzer hora, evil inclination, not because they would not want to, but rather, because they would be so involved in Torah study they simply would not have the time to listen!” This may be the underlying message of our pasuk. One who studies Torah will…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5757

Moshe said to Aharon…Cook the meat at the entrance to the Ohel Moed…As I transmitted the command: Aharon and his sons are to eat it. (8:31)

We may note that Moshe Rabbeinu addresses Aharon in the third person, although he is speaking directly to Aharon. Horav S.R. Hirsch, zl, attributes this discrepancy to the fact that during the seven days of Milluim, Moshe did not function in his usual capacity as transmitter of the law. Rather, he acted as the Kohen Gadol. Moshe appears to Aharon and his sons as the Rabbon Shel Yisrael, the quintessential teacher and transmitter of the law, only in regard to this eating of the Ayil Ha’milluim and its bread. This set the tone for the future, when the Kohen Gadol…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5756

“It the Olah-offering (that stays) on the flame on the altar all night until the morning.” (6:2)

Chazal teach us that in the Bais Ha’Mikdash, ouhv rjt lkuv vkhkv, “the night goes after the day.” In contrast, outside of the Sanctuary, the day follows the night. Consequently, the Korban Olah burns all night until day break, which is the beginning of a new day. This halachah embodies the disparity between the sanctity of the Sanctuary and life in the “outside world.” Horav Nissan Alpert, zl, explains this phenomenon homiletically. Night is the time of ambiguity, when things are unsure, when clarity of vision is obscured. In the olam ha’gashmi, corporeal world, night precedes day. For instance, when…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5756

“The Kohen shall don his fitted tunic.” (6:3)

Rashi cites the Sifra which states that the word usn is related to vsn, “to measure,” which implies that the shirt must be fitted to the size of each individual Kohen. We may question the Torah’s decision to state the admonition in the chapter which deals with removing the burnt ashes. Why is this issue not addressed earlier, in the chapter concerning Bigdei Kehunah, priestly vestments? Horav Moshe Wolfson, Shlita, offers a thoughtful insight in response to this question. The Terumas Ha’deshen, removal of the ashes, was not an essential service. In effect, the pesoles, the disqualified, unfit part of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5756

“The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not be extinguished.” (6:5)

In Pirkei Avos (5:5), Chazal teach us that miraculously the rains never put out the fire of the wood-pile on the altar. The Mizbayach was situated in an open space, exposed to the elements. Yet, the fire continued to burn even during the heaviest rains. It seems strange that such a miracle would be choreographed. Why did Hashem simply not have it rain upon the Mizbayach so that such a miracle would not be necessary? Horav Chaim M’Volozhin, zl, infers a valuable lesson from this miracle regarding our commitment to serve Hashem under all circumstances. Hashem could certainly have prevented…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5756

“If he offers it by reason of gratitude.” (7:12)

One of the central themes in Judaism is the concept of thanksgiving. Indeed, we are called “Yehudim,” a name derived from the name Yehudah. Leah gave Yehudah that name because if reflected her profound appreciation to Hashem for granting her this child. She felt she now had more than she deserved. The Gerer Rebbe, zl, comments that every “Yehudi” should feel that whatever he receives from Hashem is more than he actually deserves. Our first words when we arise in the morning are, “Modeh Ani Le’fanecha,” “I thank you Hashem.” These opening words should set the tone for our daily…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5756

“This is the anointment of Aharon and the anointment of his sons… on the day he brought them near to minister to Hashem.” (7:35)

There were two acts of anointments involving the Kohanim. The first anointing consecrated the Kohanim in general and gave them access to Kehunah. The second anointing was specifically for Aharon and for every Kohen Hedyot who subsequently ascended to Kehunah Gedolah. The first anointing for the Kohanim was a singular occurrence whose effect lasted forever. The anointment of the Kohen Gadol, however, was valid only for Aharon himself. Hence, each successive Kohen Gadol was to be anointed as he advanced to his new position. What is the difference between these two consecrations? Why did the anointing for Kehunah Gedolah not…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5756

“Can a man then rob G-d? For you have robbed Me … you give me not tithes. (3:8)

The Navi’s words are as stirring as they are striking. Our various religious observances belong to us. If we decide not to practice, we are spiting ourselves. We are undermining our own Olam Ha’bah that we decide to ignore. If we adhere to the Torah, we will receive a reward commensurate with our observance. If we chose to alienate ourselves from the Torah, we will in turn one day answer for our indiscretion and insolence. If we hoard our money and refuse to share our G-d given wealth with others, then we steal from Hashem. Whatever we have is only…

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This is the law of the (korban) Chatas, Sin-Offering; in the place where the (korban) Olah, Elevation-Offering is slaughtered shall the Sin-Offering be slaughtered. (6:18)

Any (korban) Chatas from which some blood has been brought to the Ohel Moed, to effect atonement within the Holy shall not be eaten; it shall be burned in fire. (6:23)

This is the law of the (korban) Olah, Elevation-offering, the (korban) Minchah, Meal-offering, the (korban) Chatas, Sin-of fering. (7:37)

Moshe said to Aharon…Cook the meat at the entrance to the Ohel Moed…As I transmitted the command: Aharon and his sons are to eat it. (8:31)

“It the Olah-offering (that stays) on the flame on the altar all night until the morning.” (6:2)

“The Kohen shall don his fitted tunic.” (6:3)

“The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not be extinguished.” (6:5)

“If he offers it by reason of gratitude.” (7:12)

“This is the anointment of Aharon and the anointment of his sons… on the day he brought them near to minister to Hashem.” (7:35)

“Can a man then rob G-d? For you have robbed Me … you give me not tithes. (3:8)

YEARS

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